PORVORIM: Stating that the increasing number of fatal accidents should be attended as “State issue”, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar listed out steps from compulsory wearing of helmets, educating public and students to strengthening enforcement, in a bid to minimise accidental fatalities. 

Parrikar told the Assembly that Parliament will soon be enacting a new law, wherein motor vehicle violators will have to undergo stringent punishment. “The act will also empower State government to fix criminal liabilities on parents who allow their kids to ride/drive vehicle illegally,” he said. 

“We have to attend the road accident issue as a State issue. I am personally monitoring the enforcement,” he said replying during a Zero Hour mention by Congress senior MLA Pratapsingh Rane. 

Rane raised concern about the growing number of accidents and deaths and questioned government seriousness towards curbing such incidents. 

Stating that police have acted against violators, Parrikar said that for the current year till November, 4,69,000 challans were issued, as against 3,63,466 challans issued last year. 

“From new year onwards, I am intending to make wearing of helmet compulsory. This will save lot of lives,” the Chief Minister said adding that the number of road accidents have seen a decline this year compared to the last. 

“We have started educating school kids on traffic rules,” he said informing that in the last month traffic police booked 63 cases at Cujira school complex with students at age group of 14-15 years riding two-wheelers. 

The Chief Minister said that repeated violators, henceforth will have to attend training sessions on motor vehicle rules. He also said the government is in the process of strengthening the traffic cell, which is over burdened with traffic management and enforcement.