Sachin Tendulkar Asks Second Question in Rajya Sabha
Sachin Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket in 2013, asked if the government intended to make driving licence procedure stringent to curb fake licenses and got a written reply. He had asked his first question on Friday.
Sachin Tendulkar, who has been under attack in the Rajya Sabha over his prolonged absence, asked a rare question in the Upper House on Monday. His question was directed towards the road and transport ministry. (Sachin Tendulkar Breaks Long Silence in Parliament, Bats For Mumbai Metro)
Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket in 2013, asked if the government intends to make driving licence procedure stringent to curb fake licenses and got a written reply. He had asked his first question on Friday.
"Whether under the proposed new Motor Vehicle Act, the government proposes to make driving licence procedure more transparent and stringent in order to curb fake licenses," the cricket icon sought to know, to which Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan replied that the Bill proposes to have a unified driving licence system.
"Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on a proposal to replace the 'Motor Vehicle Act, 1988' with a new Act namely 'The Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015' which, inter-alia, facilitates technological intervention and information technology based systems to ensure efficient and safe driving system in the country," Radhakrishnan said.
"The Bill proposes to have a unified driving licence system which envisages the simplified application and issuance procedures for Driver Licensing System, adopting technology for driving testing facilities."
Tendulkar has also asked whether the government proposed to implement strict guidelines to test and train the driving licence applicants and what steps are being taken in the new Act to safeguard the rights of pedestrians, drivers, physically challenged persons and to curb the incidents of road rage.
In 2012, he was offered one of the 12 seats in Rajya Sabha that are reserved for those who have distinguished themselves in various fields such as the arts, sciences or social services.
Earlier, Tendulkar, who was under attack for absence last year had sought to control damage by applying for leave for the entire Budget session, which was granted amid strong opposition from members.
Members cutting across party lines had termed his long absence as "disrespect to House and nation" and there were demands for seeking an explanation from him.