THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Jan 31: Transport Minister Deepak Birua has emphasized the importance of thorough vehicle inspections before issuing fitness certificates. He also stressed the need to follow all procedures for granting driving licenses properly to help reduce road accidents.
Speaking as the chief guest at the National Seminar on Road Safety 2025, organized by the Transport Department at Hotel Radisson Blu, Ranchi, on Friday, the minister highlighted several key concerns regarding road safety.
Road Safety and Driving Education to Be Part of Student Syllabus
Minister Birua pointed out that improper issuance of driving licenses allows many untrained individuals to get behind the wheel without fully understanding the technical aspects of driving. This lack of knowledge often leads to road accidents.
To address this issue, he announced that road safety and driving-related topics will be incorporated into school syllabi. This initiative aims to help future generations develop better driving habits and ensure safer roads. He added that he would discuss the proposal with Chief Minister Hemant Soren. “If people start treating road safety as a habit, accidents will naturally decrease,” he said.
MVIs Must Not Neglect Vehicle Fitness Inspections
The minister strongly criticized instances where Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) issue fitness certificates without proper inspections. “Such negligence invites accidents and is a major cause of road mishaps,” he said. He urged the transport department to address existing flaws in the system to effectively reduce road accidents in Jharkhand.
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Need for Greater Awareness of Road Safety
Minister Birua stressed the importance of increasing public awareness about road safety, emphasizing that it should be a collective responsibility.
Implementing Expert Suggestions to Improve Road Safety
Birua acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts, statistics show that the number of fatalities in road accidents remains high, while injuries are relatively lower. He called for greater involvement from the health department, engineering sector, and other stakeholders to address this issue.
“We will carefully consider all expert suggestions discussed today and implement meaningful changes to road safety regulations. The government is committed to adopting new strategies based on these insights to improve road safety across the state,” he assured.
Rescue Operations Should Not Be Overlooked: Secretary Kripanand Jha
Speaking at the event, Departmental Secretary Kripanand Jha emphasized the importance of swift rescue operations in road accidents. He urged authorities to ensure that ambulances and trauma centers are adequately prepared.
“If a vehicle overturns and needs to be cut open with a gas cutter, necessary equipment should be available immediately to save lives,” he said.
Jha also highlighted the challenges victims face when claiming insurance due to high legal fees. He suggested collaboration with DLSA or JHALSA to provide quick relief to affected families.
Additionally, he pointed out that the absence of proper road signals often leads to accidents. While overspeeding is frequently blamed, engineers must ensure that appropriate signals are placed at critical locations.
Expressing concern over data collection, Jha remarked, “No proper records are maintained for road accidents, whether minor or major. This is a serious issue that needs urgent attention.”
