The two-wheeler dealers from the state of Rajasthan have shut shops for a day to protest against the state government’s decision of mandatory provision of two ISI-certified helmets free-of-cost with every two-wheeler they sell. The dealers from the state claim that this would drastically affect their profit margins. The transport department released a notice, mandating the dealers to display helmet sales receipt to register the vehicle.
Speaking to ET Auto, Sai Gridhar, Secretary of Authorised Motor Vehicle Dealer Association (AMVDA) said, “We are writing to the minister informing him about the decision to stop sales of two-wheelers across the state from tomorrow till the decision is revoked. We want either the government to take back the decision or the manufacturer to provide us with helmets.”
The transport ministry, however, may revise the decision of providing “Free Helmets”. Yunus Khan, transport minister of Rajasthan told the publication, “We may revise the decision of providing it (helmet) “free”, but dealers will have to provide two helmets whether they get it from the manufacturer or add to the cost. According to CMVA, the two-wheeler buyers should get five items along with the bike and helmet is one of them. This is a matter of safety and cannot be compromised.”
It is to be noted that the Central Motor Vehicle Rules Act mandates all two-wheeler manufacturers to provide one ISI-certified helmet with each two-wheeler sold.
So which side of the argument would you stand? Share your views about the protest with us through the comments section below.
Source: ET Auto