We all have normally heard that traffic police fined Rs.100 to a driver who was drunk or a speedy motorbike was stopped and fined for not following the signal. But I am sure you have never heard before that a car driver or a biker received Rs.100/- as a reward and also an appreciation certificate to follow Road Safety rules and regulations. 

Frankly speaking, it is hard to believe yet it is true. A first in its own way, Odisha’s Keonjhar district has come up with this unique initiative of rewarding Rs.100/- for following rules under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.

The real purpose is to prevent accidents by creating awareness of road safety among riders and drivers.

Jay Narayan Pankaj, the district superintendent of police (Keonjhar), told TOI. “We began the radical initiative on Saturday and have so far given money incentives and certificates to at least 50 excellent riders/drivers. We will use the street protection fund to pay those who obey road and visitors regulations.” 

He also added, “Catching rash drivers and penalizing them is common and apply around the nation. For a metamorphosis, we thought of giving due popularity to excellent drivers. This is the primary time within the nation that police are paying money incentive to excellent drivers. The inspectors in-charge (IIC)s of police stations had been tasked with the duty of opting for the good rider or motive force. The money incentive will likely be paid at the spot. Since it's not conceivable to test each rider or motive force every day, we will habit surprise checking at different places.”    

Many riders/drivers have died in the road accidents for neglecting the road safety rules and unfortunately every year there is a rise in this number.  The Keonjhar district, regional transport officers and police wanted to control this or rather stop this and hence awakening steps were taken by them. 

“I was jittery when police stopped me and requested me to turn my driving licence and motorcycle insurance paper. After I produced both, I was made to go through a breathalyser test. When I cleared all assessments, the police handed over Rs 100 as a reward and a certificate to me, much to my surprise. I had by no means anticipated to be rewarded for driving neatly,” Sanjeev Pradhan, a biker told TOI.   

An appreciation to the good riders/drivers is actually a genuine eye-opening experience for all.