In a significant move to enhance road safety, the government announced on Saturday that it has directed district collectors and magistrates to spearhead a nationwide campaign against manufacturers and retailers selling non-compliant helmets for two-wheeler riders.
The initiative targets helmets lacking Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification, often sold by roadside vendors and posing serious safety risks. Linking substandard helmets to numerous road accident fatalities, the government has enforced stringent action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates helmet use.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, the new campaign will focus on eliminating helmets that don’t meet the required BIS safety standards. Officials will enforce penalties on manufacturers operating without a BIS license or using counterfeit ISI marks, as well as on retailers selling unsafe products to unwary consumers.
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To empower consumers, the ministry encourages individuals to verify helmet manufacturers’ BIS certifications using the BIS Care App or by visiting the BIS website. This effort, the ministry emphasized, addresses growing concerns over helmet quality and aims to improve public safety on the roads.
“Helmets save lives, but only if they are of good quality,” stated Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs. “This initiative is crucial in removing unsafe helmets from the market and educating consumers about the importance of BIS-certified products. We urge all stakeholders to actively participate in this campaign for the safety of our citizens.”
The government has also urged district officials to personally oversee the campaign and work closely with the District Superintendent of Police (SP) and BIS field officers to identify violations and ensure compliance with the Quality Control Order. The Department has already conducted search and seizure operations, canceling or expiring 162 licenses related to non-compliant helmet manufacturing. Additionally, it has carried out 27 search-and-seizure actions for misuse of BIS standard marks, leading to multiple court cases.
As the campaign rolls out, the government aims to educate consumers and rid the market of unsafe products, reinforcing the critical role of quality-assured helmets in preventing road fatalities.
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