NEW DELHI: Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday urged all state govts to allow bike taxis, saying it could give employment to eight crore people.During the launch of a pilot programme — “Suraksha” — for on-the-spot free medical diagnosis and counselling for 10 lakh drivers, construction and high-risk workers involved in building highways and mines, he also said his ministry will amend Motor Vehicles Act to introduce a negative point system for drivers for traffic violations, which will result in suspension and cancellation of driving licence.The initiative will be implemented on 150-km covering Nagpur–Kamptee areas of NH-44 and mining belt in Chandrapur in Maharashtra, with a target of 10,000 people.Speaking about the programme, Gadkari sought better medical tests and healthcare for drivers and construction workers, saying that “health of our drivers is key for
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road safety and there is a dire need to focus on their eyecare and other health issues they face due to the nature of their work.”On the need to allow private two-wheelers, such as scooters and motorcycles, owners to allow transporting passengers, he said this will create employment opportunities in rural areas. “We have allowed this. But some states are not allowing this. Transport is a state subject. I will urge them to do so as this will give a source of livelihood to many,” Gadkari said.Highlighting the high number of deaths and violations of traffic and transport rules by drivers, the minister said that they have finalised the proposed legislation to penalise the “habitual offenders”. He said, “There will be negative points for each violation and accumulation of a certain point will result in suspension and even cancellation of licences. We hope this will instil responsible driving behaviour,” he said.
