Updated September 13th, 2019 at 21:11 IST

Jairam Ramesh takes a dig at BJP after states dilute MV Act fines

The BJP government had recently announced a reduction in fines in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, which have risen steeply in the Motor Vehicles Act.

India
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Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at the BJP Government on Friday for 'diluting' the fines in the Motor Vehicle Act 2019. He further said that they are quoting the same article of the Constitution that the BJP leader Arun Jaitley had solicited in 2013 to dilute the Land Aquisition Act. However, the Congress had earlier criticized the government for imposition of such heavy fines.

He took to Twitter and said-

Modi Govt had pushed states to dilute progressive 2013 Land Acquisition Act. Now states(incl. BJP-ruled ones) are diluting 2019 Motor Vehicles Act quoting the same Article of the Constitution that Jaitley invoked to weaken Land Acquisition Act & Gadkari is crying foul.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh)

READ: Odisha Government May Approach the Centre for Amendments in MV Act

Reduction in fines

The BJP government had recently announced a reduction in fines in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, which have risen steeply in the [amended motor vehicles law, while Uttar Pradesh government is mulling reducing the penalties.

Hefty penalties by police for breaking traffic rules has hit headlines after The Motor Vehicle Act was implemented on September 1. Major political parties have also flayed the act.

READ: Gujarat reduces Motor Vehicles Act fines for first-time offenders

Criticism of the MV Act

The implementation of the MV act led to the imposition of heavy fines leaving many infuriated. While the ruling party in Kerala attacked the centre for introducing the 'unscientific' changes, opposition Congress flayed the state government for implementing the provisions without any mercy.

Youth Congress workers also staged a protest outside Union Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari's residence against the traffic fines.

"Instead of levying hefty fines, the government should think about improving infrastructure and public transport systems. Instead of fines after traffic violations, the government must strengthen the licensing procedure so that only people with proper training drive on the roads," a protestor said.

Acknowledging the situation, Gadkari said that he is not afraid of the protest and added that -