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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter X
Section 210A-210B
Revision; Constitution of Road Safety Councils and Committees
Miscellaneous
Fine: N/ACompoundable: N/AEndorsement: No
BARE ACT PROVISION
Legal Text
Section 210A: The State Government may call for and examine the record of any order passed by or proceeding of any authority under this Act for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the legality and propriety of such order or proceeding. Section 210B: The Central Government shall constitute a National Road Safety Board consisting of representatives of relevant Central Government Ministries, eminent persons, representatives of civil society, and other persons with relevant expertise to advise the Central Government on road safety.
Simplified Explanation
Section 210A provides the State Government's revisional jurisdiction over decisions made by transport authorities under the MVA — a check on administrative discretion ensuring that licensing, permit, and registration decisions are legally sound and proportionate. Section 210B, added by the 2019 Amendment, creates the National Road Safety Board (NRSB) — India's first dedicated independent advisory body for road safety policy. The NRSB advises on: vehicle safety standards, road design and engineering, driver training standards, traffic enforcement policy, road accident data and research, and international best practices. The creation of the NRSB represents India's acknowledgment that road safety requires dedicated policy focus at the national level — not just enforcement of existing penalties.
Historical Context
India's road safety record — approximately 1.5 lakh deaths annually — has long been a major public health concern. The creation of the NRSB under Section 210B was specifically recommended by the Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan Committee on Road Safety (2007) and was implemented 12 years later in the 2019 Amendment.Critical Changes
National Road Safety Board — entirely new institution under 2019 Amendment.
NRSB provides independent evidence-based road safety policy advice.
Common Queries
Section 210A (inserted by the 2019 Amendment) empowers the State Government to revise or correct orders made under the Act by any authority, including Transport Authorities. It provides an administrative remedy short of court proceedings for aggrieved parties.
Section 210B mandates the constitution of a National Road Safety Council and State Road Safety Councils, chaired by the relevant minister. These bodies coordinate road safety policy, review accident data, recommend safety measures, and oversee implementation of road safety programmes.
Yes. Road Safety Councils are statutory bodies created by the MVA 2019 Amendment. Their composition, functions, and powers are governed by rules framed under Section 210B, giving them a legal mandate to take decisions on road safety infrastructure and policy.