Government’s Vision for a Safer India
The Central government aims to build a socially sensitive and aware generation to address road safety challenges in India. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari emphasized that student participation is essential for creating a safer and cleaner country. Speaking at the launch of the road safety learning module ‘Surakshit Safar’ at Kendriya Vidyalaya 2 in New Delhi, Gadkari highlighted government efforts to reduce pollution and road accidents in the capital.
“The Central government is making several efforts to reduce pollution and road mishaps in the capital. But to tackle these problems effectively, children like you need to show social responsibility and awareness,” Gadkari stated.
Hydrogen: The Fuel of Tomorrow
Looking toward future solutions, Gadkari expressed optimism about alternative energy sources. “The future belongs to hydrogen. We should aim to become an energy-exporting country rather than an importer,” he remarked. This vision aligns with India’s broader goals for energy independence and environmental sustainability.
Educational Initiatives for Road Safety
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the NCERT is developing a new curriculum and textbooks focused on road safety. This collaborative effort between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Education aims to spread awareness about road safety among students.
“Educational content on the topic will soon be prepared for students from Class 1 to Class 12,” Pradhan revealed. He emphasized that India’s 30 crore students are crucial to shaping a road-safe nation, making it essential for them to understand road safety fundamentals.
Prime Minister’s Vision
Pradhan highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s belief that road safety must become a people’s movement. “As our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, believes, road safety is a crucial issue that needs to become a people’s movement. We are working in line with his vision,” he stated.
Industry Perspective
SIAM Executive Director Prashant K. Banerjee addressed the gathering, noting that road safety remains a significant obstacle to India’s development. He called for a generational change to ensure lasting impact, reinforcing the government’s focus on youth involvement in road safety initiatives.
