New Delhi: International Road Federation (IRF) global road safety body working for better and safer roads worldwide has welcomed launching of nation-wide campaign against substandard helmets targeting manufacturers and retailers who sell non-compliant helmets for Two-wheeler riders .
In a bid to enhance road safety and protect consumers from substandard helmets the Department of Consumer Affairs has written to District Collectors (DCs) and District Magistrates (DMs) to launch a nationwide campaign targeting manufacturers and retailers who sell non-compliant helmets for two-wheeler riders. This initiative comes as a response to the growing concerns over the quality of helmets available in the market and their critical role in safeguarding lives on the road, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
“IRF welcomes the campaign against substandard helmets but also demands reduction of GST on helmets to Zero Per cent from the present 18 percent as India accounts for about 11 percent of road accident deaths worldwide. . The two wheeler riders, being most vulnerable, constitute almost 31.4% of road accidental deaths primarily due to head injuries. One of the most effective measures to reduce the two wheeler accident injuries and fatalities is the use of standard helmets.” Said Mr K K Kapila, President Emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF)
“The helmet usage in our country has been found to be low. It has been noticed that most of the two-wheeler riders fall in economically weaker and lower income groups and prefer tpurchase helmets which are cheaper and inferior in quality. Many of these helmets are not capable of saving a rider’s life, in case of an accident.” Said Mr Kapila.
“Currently, the applicable rate of GST on helmets is 18% which is a life saving device. IRF strongly recommends that there should be no GST on helmets. This will help in making the standard helmets more affordable for the masses and will discourage them from buying helmets of substandard quality. This in turn will assist, not only in reducing road accident fatalities of two wheeler riders, but will also help in reducing the whooping GDP loss due to road accidents to our economy.” Mr Kapila said .
As per the Section 129 of the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 wearing of helmets is mandatory for two-wheeler riders. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards has passed a notification vide order no. F. No. RT-11012/07/2012-MVL dated 30th July, 2020 making usage of helmets compulsory as per relevant BIS Standards.
“Reduction of GST on helmets will help in making the standard helmets more affordable for the masses and will discourage them from buying helmets of substandard quality. This in turn will assist, not only in reducing road accident fatalities of two wheeler riders, but also in reducing the whooping GDP loss due to road accidents in our economy.” Said Mr Kapila.