Govt mulls higher compensation for hit-and-run victims

NEW DELHI: A higher compensation for hit-and-run victims, an improved mechanism to help road accident victims and fixing the public transport system are among a

NEW DELHI: A higher compensation for hit-and-run victims, an improved mechanism to help road accident victims and fixing the public transport system are among a slew of proposals to be considered by a group of state transport ministers at its meeting later this month.

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The group, headed by Rajasthan transport minister Yoonus Khan, was set up in February on PM Narendra Modi’s orders to firm up the new motor vehicles law being finalised by the Centre. The group will meet on June 12-13 in Dharamsala.

At present under the Motor Vehicle Act, compensation for hit-and-run deaths is Rs 25,000 while for grievous injury it is Rs 12,500. The road transport ministry had also started a solatium fund under which victims of hit-and-run cases can claim compensation.

The ministry had earlier proposed Rs 1 lakh compensation in case of death and Rs 50,000 for grievous hurt under the solatium fund. However, the proposal ran into opposition from various quarters.

“It was felt that the compensation amount is not enough. We have proposed that it should be increased substantially. But we have not decided on the quantum. The group of state transport ministers will decide the amount,” said a road ministry official.

“Strengthening of public transport systems with a view to offer better services to the citizens, steps for promoting low cost last mile connectivity solutions are also on the agenda,” the ministry official added.