Pune The transport commissioner of Maharashtra has directed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra to act against two-wheeler dealers who do not provide two helmets to the customer buying a two-wheeler from them.
However, turning a deaf ear to the directive, top two-wheeler dealers in Pune continue to violate the rule.
Tushar Vaidya, senior manager at Sai Service, one of the largest dealers in Pune with a sale of over 900 two-wheelers per month, said, “Because it is a compulsion, we are compelled to act upon it to a certain extent.
“The motive of the RTO’s order that everyone should wear helmet is good, but the way it has been imposed is wrong.
“The government should make it mandatory for manufacturing companies to provide helmets to the dealers at the time we buy from them.
“With such a directive in the current scenario, the expense of the helmet has to be paid by the dealer which is an extra financial burden for us”.
Umesh Borade, manager, B U Bhandari showroom, with a sale over 800 two-wheelers per month, said, “If the government is really very concerned about the safety of people, they should pressurise the manufacturing companies to give the helmets to the dealers.
{{/usCountry}}Umesh Borade, manager, B U Bhandari showroom, with a sale over 800 two-wheelers per month, said, “If the government is really very concerned about the safety of people, they should pressurise the manufacturing companies to give the helmets to the dealers.
{{/usCountry}}“If we follow the current orders from the RTO of giving two ISI marked helmets, whatever margin we have in selling the vehicle, we would lose that.
“Hence, the government should not threaten us with suspension of our trade certificate. If so, all the dealers will unite to raise a voice against this”.
Naresh Rpalle, manager, Royal Enfield showroom, with a sale of over 250 vehicles per month, said, “After the launch of BS4 engines, this directive was forced into action.
“Though it has been directed to give two helmets to both the driver and pillion, we cannot afford the exorbitant cost of providing two helmets.
“The minimum cost per ISI-marked helmet is Rs 1,000. Therefore, we only give one helmet to our customers.
“Also, we have been specifically asked by the company to provide only one helmet at the time of the sale to our customer.”
Sonal Kunthekar, manager, ACE Kudale Suzuki vehicles said, “It is right that helmets be made compulsory for everyone. However, it is wrong to impose this responsibility on dealers by threatening to suspend trade certificates.
“We provide only one helmet to the customer. We often come across cases where people refuse to take helmets from us.
“As far as the safety of the customers is concerned, we are on the same page as of the government. However, this is not the correct way of dealing with the issue.”