Driving Schools Plan Targets Aspirational Districts
- Driving schools plan to create jobs in aspirational districts
- Nitin Gadkari highlights road safety and driver shortage
Hyderabad, March 26: The Centre has announced a driving schools plan to open training centres in 120 aspirational districts and 500 backward blocks. The initiative aims to create one crore jobs in the next five years. The government will implement the plan in partnership with the industry.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari shared the details during a Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan event in Delhi. He spoke during a conversation with Aamir Khan. He said the country faces a shortage of 22 lakh drivers. He also noted that the government has already opened 200 driving schools.
“We have decided to open driving training centres with the help of the industry in the 120 aspirant districts and 500 aspirant blocks which are socially, economically, and educationally backward. We will provide employment to one crore youth through this initiative,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Gadkari raised concerns about road safety. He said India leads the world in road accidents. He stated that the country records more than five lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh deaths every year. He added that about 66 per cent of victims fall in the 18–44 age group. He also noted that three per cent of India’s GDP is lost due to these accidents.
He explained that five factors cause accidents. First, he pointed to road design and engineering issues. He said authorities identified black spots and spent Rs 40,000 crore to fix them. He added that landslides in hilly areas also contribute, with 350 spots identified and 280 improved. He also mentioned automobile engineering as another factor.
Gadkari said enforcement plays a key role. He stressed that human behaviour is a major issue. “There is no fear and respect for law in the country. About 50,000 people’s lives can be saved by just wearing a helmet while riding bikes. About 30,000 people can save their life by just fastening seat belts,” he said. He also stated that instances of drunk driving have reduced.
Aamir Khan also spoke about road safety. “I take road safety very seriously. I also make mistakes once in a while as I am a human being. But by and large I am very strict on safety on roads. I expect the entire country should take road safety very seriously.” He said laws alone cannot solve the issue if people do not follow them.
He added that many people wear helmets only due to fear of police. “We should understand that wearing a helmet will save our life irrespective of the presence of policemen.” He also pointed out that some people use clips to avoid seat belts. He suggested making seat belts compulsory for children in school buses.
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