Maharashtra Government Raises Rs 823 Crore For Road Safety Fund, Yet Only Spends Rs 65 Crore On Safety Initiatives

The Maharashtra government’s efforts to prioritize road safety initiatives have come under scrutiny as it has been revealed that despite raising a substantial amount of funds for this purpose, only a fraction of the money has been allocated towards actual safety measures. The state government recently announced that it had collected Rs 823 crore for the Road Safety Fund, but shockingly, only Rs 65 crore has been utilized for safety initiatives.
The Road Safety Fund was established with the aim of improving road safety measures, reducing accidents, and saving lives on Maharashtra’s roads. It was expected that the fund would provide the necessary resources to implement crucial safety infrastructure, conduct awareness campaigns, and enhance enforcement measures.Source :- TOI
However, the significant disparity between the funds raised and the amount spent has raised concerns among road safety advocates and citizens alike. Questions are being raised about the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of road safety, especially given the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities in the state.
Road safety experts emphasize the urgent need for adequate funding to support robust measures such as improving road infrastructure, implementing stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and creating awareness programs to educate the public about safe driving practices. Insufficient allocation of funds severely hampers the ability to implement these critical initiatives effectively.
In response to the revelations, opposition parties have criticized the government’s lack of transparency and accountability regarding the utilization of funds. They argue that the government must provide a detailed account of how the money has been allocated and explain the substantial gap between the funds collected and the amount spent on road safety initiatives.
Meanwhile, concerned citizens and road safety organizations are urging the government to prioritize road safety and allocate a larger portion of the funds towards impactful measures that can save lives. They stress that road accidents and fatalities continue to be a major cause for concern, and immediate action is needed to address this growing crisis.
The Maharashtra government has not yet responded to the allegations regarding the disparity in fund allocation. However, given the public outcry and mounting pressure, it is expected that they will address the issue and provide clarity on the utilization of funds for road safety initiatives.
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