Centre approves funds for providing training to HMV drivers

New Delhi, Nov 15 (UNI) Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu today approved an amount of Rs. 4.25 crore as grant-in-aid to 57 organisations under the scheme ''Two-day Refresher Training for Heavy Motor Vehicle Drivers in Unorganised Sector.'' A ministry official said the move would enable the intended beneficiaries to impart training to about 60,000 HMV drivers from various states and Union Territories.

Under the scheme, 13,000 drivers from Delhi, 12000 from Andhra Pradesh, over 7000 from Tamil Nadu, 3250 from Gujarat, 7,500 from Maharashtra and 4,000 from Uttar Pradesh will be imparted training in better and safer driving skills.

The organisations which have been entrusted with the task to conduct refresher training include Institute of Driver Training and Research, Delhi, Central Institute of Road Transport (Pune), and Western India Automobile Association, Mumbai.

The official said all these organisations have been recommended by the state governments, certifying the availability of adequate infrastructure with these bodies, to impart training to the drivers in the unorganised sector.

Under the scheme, the total grant is released in two installments -- 50 per cent as the first installment (in advance) after execution of bond and submission of detailed time-bound programme and the remaining 50 per cent as second and final installment after conclusion of the programmes and submission of necessary documentary proof of completion as well as Final Action Taken Report (FATR) from the concerned state government.

UNI