New Delhi, March 26 The government, in partnership with the industry, will establish driving schools in 120 aspirational districts and 500 blocks that are socially, economically, and educationally backward, to create one crore jobs in the country over the next five years.
During a conversation with film star Aamir Khan at a Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan event here in the capital, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that there is a shortage of 22 lakh drivers in the country, and the government has opened 200 driving schools.
"We have decided to establish driving training centers with the help of the industry in the 120 aspirational districts and 500 aspirational blocks that are socially, economically, and educationally backward. We will provide employment to one crore young people through this initiative," the minister said.
On road safety, he said that unfortunately, it is true that India is at the top in terms of the number of road accidents in the world.
Today, India records more than five lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh related deaths every year.
About 66 per cent of the population is in the age group of 18-44 years. Three per cent of India's GDP is lost due to these accidents, he noted.
He highlighted that there are five reasons for road accidents.
First, road design and engineering. He informed, "We have identified black spots, and we have spent Rs 40,000 crore to remove them. Another reason for accidents is landslides in hilly areas. We have identified 350 such spots, and about 280 have been improved."
He noted that the other reasons for accidents are automobile engineering.
He said, "Our automobile industry is in the third position in the world, with a turnover of Rs 23 lakh crore (following the US at Rs 79 lakh crore and China at Rs 49 lakh crore). We aim to bring our automobile industry to the top in the world in the next five years."
He noted that the third reason for accidents is enforcement.
The fourth reason is human behavior. "There is no fear and respect for the law in the country. Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can save about 50,000 lives. Fastening seat belts can save about 30,000 lives," he said.
He stated that the number of instances of drunk driving has come down.
Khan said, "I take road safety very seriously. I also make mistakes from time to time, as I am a human being. But overall, I am very strict about safety on the roads. I expect the entire country to take road safety very seriously."
He said that the government can bring laws, rules, or provide facilities, but ultimately, if people do not use them, the issue will not be resolved.
He noted that people only wear helmets due to the fear of the police.
"We should understand that wearing a helmet will save our lives, regardless of the presence of police."
He also mentioned that some people buy clips to avoid seat belts.
Khan suggested that seat belts for passengers in school buses should be made compulsory for children's safety.