Two Wheeler dealers in Rajasthan suspend sales of vehicles to protest against the state government’s order of giving two helmets free with every two wheeler sold.
The suspension of the sales was announced by the two wheeler dealers after transport department of Rajasthan announced in a notice on March 29th that two wheeler sellers, as representatives of the manufacturers, to provide two ISI marked helmets with every two wheeler, one for the rider and one for pillion.
Sai Gridhar, secretary, Authorised Motor Vehicle Dealer Association (AMVDA), told ET Auto.
“We are writing to the minister informing him about the decision to stop sales of two-wheelers across the state from tomorrow till the decision is revoked. We want either the government to take back the decision or the manufacturer to provide us with helmets.”
Yunus Khan, transport minister of Rajasthan said,
“We may revise the decision of providing it “free”, but dealers will have to provide two helmets whether they get it from the manufacturer or add to the cost. According to CMVA, the two-wheeler buyers should get five items along with the bike and helmet is one of them. This is a matter of safety and cannot be compromised.”
As per ET Auto reports, Rajasthan sells around 85,000 two-wheelers in a month, which is approx 6.5% of country’s total two-wheeler sales. The suspension in two wheeler sales will further affect the already struggling two wheeler segment in the country.
It is to be noted that, all two wheeler manufacturers must provide at least one ISI marked helmet with every two wheeler, as per the Central Motor vehicle Rules Act.
Kerela also issued a notice last month, asking two wheeler dealers to provide helmet, number plate, rear view mirror, saree guard and grab rail for pillion free to every two wheeler buyer.
The Transport Commissioner of kerela also stated that dealers who doesn’t comply with the rule, will get their trade certificates cancelled.
