File picture of students driving two-wheelers without helmets

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 10: The state government has decided to slam brakes on the tendency of college and university students to drive without helmets.

In a letter to the heads of all colleges and universities, higher education secretary Gagan Kumar Dhal has warned that students found violating the helmet rule thrice would be debarred from appearing for exams apart from being fined Rs 500.

Further, their identity cards will be seized and given back to their parents only after they give an undertaking that such acts would not be repeated.

Educational institutions have also been asked to put up permanent banners and warning boards on the penalty and punishment for not wearing helmets at their entrance and other places on the campus within a week. The department is also planning an awareness campaign for the students with the help of NCC cadets and volunteers of NSS and Junior Red Cross in colleges and varsities.

“The aim is to prevent students from becoming victims of road accidents and losing their precious lives. Besides students, helmets will also be made mandatory for the college staff with immediate effect,” Dhal said.

It has also been decided that every three months, the police would inform the universities and colleges concerned about the details of students, who violate the law.

The list would then be handed over to the higher education department for strict action.

Helmet for students is compulsory in Pune, Allahabad, and Bhopal and the step has received very encouraging results, said transport commissioner Manoj Ahuja.