SUNDAY, MAY 05, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Central government is in no mood to further delay implementation of the much-debated Motor Vehicles Act that levies hefty fines for violations.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who attended the video conference with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday evening, indicated that the Centre seeks enforcement of the Act without delay.
“I apprised the Union Minister that there is huge opposition to the Act in Goa and the fines are steep. Although we (Goa govt) will charge minimum... he (Gadkari) said that they are doing it for the people’s safety. He has clearly said there is no alternative and all the States should implement the Act,” Godinho told media persons after the meeting.
Godinho on being questioned by the media about the development in Goa said he apprised the Union Minister but it was in vain. “He said that people’s habit should change. If you don’t break the law, you don’t pay fine and if you break the law you have to pay the fine. He also said that when the rules were formulated, ministers of 20 States were consulted only after which the Act and the fines were decided,” Godinho said, revealing his discussion with Gadkari during the meeting, which was also attended by Transport Ministers of other States and Union Territories.
“Goa’s road infrastructure is also better compared to other States,” the minister added.
The matter is likely to be discussed during the cabinet meeting on Wednesday with Godinho also proposing ‘bare minimum’ fine for Goa.
The Act has been a bone of contention in many States, as the hefty fines which go up to Rs 25,000 have been termed as unjust. In Goa, the Act has been opposed by various sections. As such, the Act has been deferred from being implemented till now. Ports Minister Michael Lobo has stated he does not favour its implementation until the road infrastructure is improved.
