[sustran] Parliamentary Committee on Transport, on the National Road Safety and Traffic Management Board Bill, 2010

[Vinay Baindur]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Vinay Baindur <yanivbin at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 8:11 PM
Subject: Parliamentary Committee on Transport, on the National Road Safety
and Traffic Management Board Bill, 2010





*Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture invites suggestions on
the* National Road Safety and Traffic Management Board Bill, 2010
<http://prsindia.org/index.php?name=Sections&action=bill_details&id=6&bill_id=1147&category=44&parent_category=1>
The Committee has invited memoranda containing views/suggestions from
individuals/organizations interested in the subject-matter of the Bill.

Those desirous of submitting memoranda to the Committee may send their
written memoranda, either in English or Hindi, to Shri Swaraji B., Joint
Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, 141, First Floor, Parliament House
Annexe, New Delhi- 110001. (Tel: 23035228 and Fax: 23013917) E-mail:
swarabji.b at sansad.nic.in <sundrial at sansad.nic.in> and
rsc-tt at sansad.nic.in<rsc_hrd at sansad.nic.in> within
fifteen days from the date of publication of this advertisement (June 10,
2010). Those who are willing to appear before the Committee for oral
evidence besides submitting the memoranda may indicate so. However, the
Committee's decision in this regard shall be final.

 The National Road Safety and Traffic Management Board Bill,
2010<http://prsindia.org/index.php?name=Sections&action=bill_details&id=6&bill_id=1147&category=44&parent_category=1>
SUMMARY

   - The National Road Safety and Traffic Management Board Bill, 2010 was
   introduced in the Lok Sabha on May 4, 2010 by the Minister of Road Transport
   and Highways, Shri Kamal Nath.  The Bill was referred to the Standing
   Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, which is scheduled to submit
   its report within two months.
   - The Bill seeks to establish a National Road Safety and Traffic
   Management Board for the development and regulation of road safety, traffic
   management system and safety standards in highway design and construction.
   - The Board shall consist of a Chairperson and five members appointed by
   the central government on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.  The
   term shall be five years.  The Chairperson shall have professional knowledge
   of administration and road transport.  Members shall have experience in road
   design, automobile engineering, accident investigation, traffic management
   and trauma care.
   - The functions of the Board include (a) recommending minimum standards
   for design, construction and maintenance of national highways, (b)
   recommending minimum standards for trauma and para-medical facilities for
   traffic related injuries on the national highway, and (c) conduct safety
   audits to monitor compliance with the standards notified by the central
   government.  It shall also recommend minimum safety standards for
   manufacture of mechanically propelled vehicles and other types of vehicles,
   recommend minimum conditions of safety such as specifying the maximum load
   bearing and capacity limits, recommend standards for vehicular traffic on
   the national highways (speed lanes, right of way), conduct research on road
   safety and management, establish procedure for data collection, involve
   non-government organizations in promotion of road safety, and provide for
   special requirement of women, children and senior citizens.
   - The Board may constitute an Advisory Committee of a maximum of 31
   members in order to represent the interests of road users, construction
   industry, transport industry, and automobile manufacturers.  The Committee
   shall advise the Board on questions of policy, road safety, and protection
   of road users interest.
   - The National Road Safety and Traffic Management Fund shall be created
   by crediting one per cent of the cess on diesel and gasoline under the
   Central Road Fund Act, 2000; any grants and loans made by the central
   government; and any sum received by the Board from other sources to be
   prescribed by the central government.
   - Any person who fails to comply with the standards of design or
   construction of highway or mechanically propelled vehicles as notified by
   the central government shall be liable to a fine of upto Rs 10 lakh, with an
   additional penalty if the person continues to commit the offence.  Any
   person who willfully fails to furnish information or furnishes false
   information shall be liable to be fined upto Rs 1,000 and an additional
   penalty on subsequent offence.
   - A court can take cognizance of an offence only on complaint made by the
   Board.  Only a Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or a Chief Judicial Magistrate
   can try an offence under this Act.
   - The central government has the power to supersede the Board under
   prescribed conditions for a maximum period of six months.

Kaushiki Sanyal
May 24, 2010