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Pune: The traffic department has recorded 169 cases of non-compliance of the rule to wear helmets by officials of six major govt offices in Pune city over the last two months, officials said on Wednesday. The violations are part of the 4,000 cases reported from across the city during the said period. Offenders were mainly from key govt facilities — including the divisional commissioner's office, Pune collector's office, Pune Municipal Corporation, Pune zilla parishad, Pune city RTO and other state govt offices within city limits.
While 121 cases were documented until Nov-end, an additional 48 were registered in Dec. Govt offices were notified about employee violations of the helmet rule and expected departmental action following directives issued by Pune divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar on Oct 19. The enforcement drive covers all state and semi-govt offices across the five districts under Pune division.
"Departments concerned will penalise repeat offenders," a senior official from the divisional commissioner's office told TOI. He emphasised the importance of wearing helmets amid rising two-wheeler accidents in Pune. RTO Pune officials confirmed that surveillance measures are in place at all govt premises.
"We are maintaining strict vigilance as per the divisional commissioner's orders. Plans are underway to intensify monitoring in the coming year," said the officials The intensified enforcement follows a recent meeting with retired justice Abhay Sapre, chairman of the road safety committee constituted by the Supreme Court. Sapre expressed concern over low compliance of the rule in Pune.
The initiative requires employees of municipal corporations, govt agencies and colleges to strictly follow the helmet rule or face punitive action, including negative entries in their service books. Under section 129 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) rules, department heads must maintain logbooks and take disciplinary action against non-compliant employees. District collectors are required to conduct quarterly reviews of adherence.
However, some remain sceptical about long-term implementation. "Such drives have been initiated earlier too, but it never succeeded," said civic activist Vivek Velankar. He highlighted past challenges in sustaining similar safety initiatives.
A govt official who came under the radar for violation told TOI that he has started to use a helmet after his name was sent to the department head. "Officials are taking care and wearing protective gear as reports are being sent to higher officials," 'he told TOI. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India .
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