<p>The Gujarat government on Wednesday decided to do away with mandatory helmets for two-wheeler riders in cities and said that wearing helmets will be optional for the riders. The decision was announced following a cabinet meeting held in the state capital Gandhinagar. </p>.<p>Announcing the decision, state transport minister R C Faldu told media persons, "We received various complaints from people saying that there are difficulties in wearing helmets and do routine work. There were complaints that why would a person going to buy vegetables wear a helmet. In view of these complaints, the cabinet decided to make use of helmets optional. However, helmets will be compulsory on state highways, nationals highways and roads falling under panchayat limits."</p>.<p>Earlier in September, the Vijay Rupani-led state government had announced a 50 per cent cut in fines for not wearing helmets. Under the new Motor Vehicle Act, the fine for not wearing a helmet is Rs 1000 while the state government reduced it to Rs 500.</p>.<p>The Opposition Congress has also been opposing mandatory helmets as well as an increase in the fines. </p>
<p>The Gujarat government on Wednesday decided to do away with mandatory helmets for two-wheeler riders in cities and said that wearing helmets will be optional for the riders. The decision was announced following a cabinet meeting held in the state capital Gandhinagar. </p>.<p>Announcing the decision, state transport minister R C Faldu told media persons, "We received various complaints from people saying that there are difficulties in wearing helmets and do routine work. There were complaints that why would a person going to buy vegetables wear a helmet. In view of these complaints, the cabinet decided to make use of helmets optional. However, helmets will be compulsory on state highways, nationals highways and roads falling under panchayat limits."</p>.<p>Earlier in September, the Vijay Rupani-led state government had announced a 50 per cent cut in fines for not wearing helmets. Under the new Motor Vehicle Act, the fine for not wearing a helmet is Rs 1000 while the state government reduced it to Rs 500.</p>.<p>The Opposition Congress has also been opposing mandatory helmets as well as an increase in the fines. </p>
