"If a minor is caught driving a vehicle, the registered owner of that vehicle will face a hefty fine of 25,000 rupees and could be sentenced to three months in prison. Furthermore, the underage individual will be ineligible to receive a driving license until they turn 25 years old."
Nayagarh: (Report - Ramakrushna Rath): In a powerful display of community engagement and proactive safety measures, the Nayagarh Transport Office, in collaboration with Itamati Higher Secondary School, organised a massive awareness rally and seminar.
The event, held as part of the "Zero Fatality Fortnight - 2025" celebrations, saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and transport officials, all united in a common goal: to make the roads safer for everyone.
The program commenced with a vibrant procession, or Shobha Yatra, that wound its way through key areas of Itamati. Starting from the school grounds, the procession moved through the bustling Itamati market, passed by the local police station, and traveled through Deulasahi and Tantishahi neighborhoods before concluding back at the school. The march successfully drew public attention to the critical issue of road safety, with students carrying placards and chanting slogans to educate the community.
Following the procession, a formal seminar took place to delve deeper into the legal and practical aspects of road safety. The event's presiding officer, Abhimanyu Sahoo, inaugurated the session by honoring the chief guests. In his address, Sahoo highlighted the immense importance and practical implementation of the "Zero Fatality Fortnight - 2025" initiative. He stressed that such campaigns are vital for building a responsible and law-abiding citizenry from a young age.
A key highlight of the seminar was the stern warning issued by Additional Transport Officer Nirmal Mohanty regarding underage driving. Mahanti explicitly stated that students traveling to schools and higher educational institutions must not drive vehicles until they reach the age of 18. He detailed the severe legal consequences for violating this rule, aiming to deter both minors and their parents.
His speech served as a crucial reminder of the Motor Vehicles Act's stringent provisions, designed to protect young lives and ensure overall road safety. Mahanti also took the opportunity to inform the audience about the operation and benefits of the Solatium Fund, which provides financial relief to victims of hit-and-run accidents.
Adding to the impactful messages, Motor Vehicle Inspector Prafulla Kumar Deep administered a collective oath to the attendees. He led the students and teachers in pledging their commitment to road safety rules, reinforcing a sense of personal responsibility.
Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Sushree Sudha Priyadarshini contributed a vital perspective on the dangers of speeding. She explained the severe risks associated with driving at high speeds, emphasizing that controlling velocity is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and save lives.
The successful event saw active support from several staff members of Itamati High School, including teachers Pabitra Behera, Dilip Kumar Nayak, Prashant Kumar Rath, Abhaya Kumar Lenka, and Femina Swain. The Nayagarh Transport Office was represented by T.I. Swainprabha Rath, Junior Motor Vehicle Inspector Gobinda Charan Chinara, and other dedicated staff members.
The seminar concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by teacher Bharati Mishra, who expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and officials for making the "Zero Fatality Fortnight - 2025" program a resounding success in spreading awareness and fostering a culture of safety on the roads of Nayagarh.
The event, held as part of the "Zero Fatality Fortnight - 2025" celebrations, saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and transport officials, all united in a common goal: to make the roads safer for everyone.
The program commenced with a vibrant procession, or Shobha Yatra, that wound its way through key areas of Itamati. Starting from the school grounds, the procession moved through the bustling Itamati market, passed by the local police station, and traveled through Deulasahi and Tantishahi neighborhoods before concluding back at the school. The march successfully drew public attention to the critical issue of road safety, with students carrying placards and chanting slogans to educate the community.
Following the procession, a formal seminar took place to delve deeper into the legal and practical aspects of road safety. The event's presiding officer, Abhimanyu Sahoo, inaugurated the session by honoring the chief guests. In his address, Sahoo highlighted the immense importance and practical implementation of the "Zero Fatality Fortnight - 2025" initiative. He stressed that such campaigns are vital for building a responsible and law-abiding citizenry from a young age.
A key highlight of the seminar was the stern warning issued by Additional Transport Officer Nirmal Mohanty regarding underage driving. Mahanti explicitly stated that students traveling to schools and higher educational institutions must not drive vehicles until they reach the age of 18. He detailed the severe legal consequences for violating this rule, aiming to deter both minors and their parents.
"The law is very clear and strict on this matter," Mohanty asserted. "If a minor is caught driving a vehicle, the registered owner of that vehicle will face a hefty fine of 25,000 rupees and could be sentenced to three months in prison. Furthermore, the underage individual will be ineligible to receive a driving license until they turn 25 years old."
His speech served as a crucial reminder of the Motor Vehicles Act's stringent provisions, designed to protect young lives and ensure overall road safety. Mahanti also took the opportunity to inform the audience about the operation and benefits of the Solatium Fund, which provides financial relief to victims of hit-and-run accidents.
Adding to the impactful messages, Motor Vehicle Inspector Prafulla Kumar Deep administered a collective oath to the attendees. He led the students and teachers in pledging their commitment to road safety rules, reinforcing a sense of personal responsibility.
Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Sushree Sudha Priyadarshini contributed a vital perspective on the dangers of speeding. She explained the severe risks associated with driving at high speeds, emphasizing that controlling velocity is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and save lives.
The successful event saw active support from several staff members of Itamati High School, including teachers Pabitra Behera, Dilip Kumar Nayak, Prashant Kumar Rath, Abhaya Kumar Lenka, and Femina Swain. The Nayagarh Transport Office was represented by T.I. Swainprabha Rath, Junior Motor Vehicle Inspector Gobinda Charan Chinara, and other dedicated staff members.
The seminar concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by teacher Bharati Mishra, who expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and officials for making the "Zero Fatality Fortnight - 2025" program a resounding success in spreading awareness and fostering a culture of safety on the roads of Nayagarh.




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