Bhubaneswar, Aug. 7 (UDN): Amid discussions over the proposed ‘No Insurance, No Petrol’ policy, Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has clarified that the state government has not taken any final decision and will act only after receiving detailed guidelines in line with the Supreme Court’s directions.
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Addressing the issue, the Minister said Odisha has nearly 97 lakh registered vehicles, a significant number of which are reportedly operating without valid motor insurance. He stressed that ensuring insurance coverage is essential for protecting road users and providing financial support to accident victims.
The Minister highlighted that third-party motor insurance is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act and is a key safeguard for victims of road accidents. He said the Supreme Court has laid particular emphasis on strict compliance with this legal requirement.
He further informed that enforcement against uninsured vehicles has already been intensified across the state. At several toll plazas, authorities are checking insurance documents and issuing challans to violators. Persistent offenders, he said, may also face vehicle seizure under existing legal provisions.
However, the Minister made it clear that no fresh notification introducing a ‘No Insurance, No Petrol’ rule has been issued by the Odisha government. The state will formulate its policy only after receiving comprehensive directions from the Centre and the Supreme Court.
Emphasising the objective behind the proposed measure, Jena said the government’s focus is not on imposing penalties but on ensuring that every vehicle on the road is insured. According to him, wider insurance coverage will strengthen road safety, protect accident victims from financial hardship and encourage responsible compliance with the law.
He also appealed to vehicle owners to renew or obtain valid insurance in time, stating that public safety and the protection of human lives remain the government’s highest priority.
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