Transport Deptt mulls licence checksat schools, coaching institutions

Staff Reporter

From Pune’s Porsche accident to the Skoda incident at Nagpur, in last 15 days, the accidents Maharashtra State has witnessed have one thing in common. The accused in all these accidents are minors. Taking serious cognisance of this aspect, Transport Department of Maharashtra is contemplating to conduct licence checks of children at schools, coaching institutions. As per the rule, Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues licence to the children attaining 16 years of age who are allowed to drive vehicle with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 CC. Now there is no vehicle having engine capacity of 50CC, because of which it is found that 16-year old children procure licence and drive Electric Vehicles. In several major and even in minor accidents it was found that those driving vehicle were underage. According to reliable sources, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde who holds Transport portfolio too, during inter-departmental meeting expressed concern over the accidents where minors were found driving the vehicle.

The sources said, “The Chief Minister has sought some suggestions as to how the initiative of license checking of children at schools and at coaching institutions can be implemented. The activity needs to be conducted in a manner so that feelings of parents should not be hurt. In the past Transport Department has undertaken such drive which was opposed by people close to political leaders. They pressured the authorities and that activity came to standstill. Now Chief Minister wants the activity to be conducted afresh after formulating a strategy.” Many students attending coaching institutes or schools drive their vehicles. They do the rash driving disturbing the smooth vehicular movement. Checking vehicles, driving license come under the functions of RTO but they don’t do it as sometimes it is treated as interference to the working of Traffic Police. Last year in Nagpur, the schools had decided to allow children having valid license coming to the institutions driving vehicles with engine capacity of 50CC.

Schools had asked children to come with the undertaking from parents. Ravindra Bhuyar, RTO told ‘The Hitavada’, “Undertaking by parents is not enough. Some authority should endorse it whether to allow children below 18 years drive vehicle in public places. When such accidents take place RTO’s job is limited to cancel the license or take action against the vehicle owner etc. The scope can be expanded.” Dr Chandrashekhar Mohite, Member of National Road Safety Council welcomed the idea of the Government. He said, “Some major steps should be taken by the Government especially in cases where minors are involved.” Transport Commissioner Sanjay Bhimanwar said, “Whatever role given to RTO, it is playing well. RTO is expected to see transport management which the officers are doing in proper manner. If they get additional responsibility they would surely do it.”