Government servants in Puducherry directed to follow helmet rule

Strict enforcement of helmet rule in Puducherry from January 12, government servants directed to comply or face penalties.

With the dolice department making yet another attempt for strict enforcement of helmet rule in the Union Territory from January 12, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms has issued a circular directing government servants to adhere to the helmet rule while riding two-wheeler in Puducherry.

In the circular, Under Secretary to Government, M. Kannan, has asked the government employees to wear helmet for their personal safety without fail. “UT of Puducherry has witnessed a manifold increase in the vehicle population, including that of motorbikes. Many two-wheeler riders met with fatal accidents. Under the ‘Mission Zero Fatality’ programme, the Police Department has decided to enforce the helmet rule from January 12. All government servants who are two-wheeler riders, are, therefore requested to wear helmet without fail,” the circular said.

The circular further noted that riding a two-wheeler without helmet would attract a fine of ₹1,000 and lead to suspension of driving license for three months under section 194 D of Motor Vehicles Act. The heads of departments were directed to ensure strict compliance of the helmet rule, the circular further said.

After several failed attempts, the police are planning to enforce the rule from January 12. Past efforts to enforce the rule were abandoned mid-way following resistance citing Puducherry’s small geographical size.

However, due to sustained pressure from the Supreme Court Committee on road safety to enforce the rule and also because of the growing number of fatal accidents involving two-wheeler riders, there is now a consensus among political leadership to make the rule compulsory. Puducherry has witnessed around 200 fatal accidents in 2024, said a police officer.

As part of the enforcement, a massive awareness rally led by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan will be organised by the Traffic Police on January 10 in the town. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Ministers and legislators are expected to participate in the rally, the officer said.