Patna,(BiharTimes): Transport minister Chandrika Rai said in the Bihar Assembly on Wednesday that the state government would provide 100 per cent tax exemption to women and handicapped people on purchase of commercial vehicles so that they can take up transport business for their livelihood.

Replying to his department’s budgetary demand of Rs 55.76 crore for 2016-17 he said the beneficiaries must possess driving licence to avail the tax exemption.

Besides, Road Safety as a subject would be taught from Class VI to VIII so that the students could take precaution while driving or using public/private transport later in their life, he informed the House.

The transport minister said installation of High Security Number Plates had been made mandatory in new vehicles from the dealers’ point. He also said the transport department has substantial assets in Bihar, which in the event of being monetised, could fetch a revenue between Rs 7,000 and Rs 10,000 crore.

Rai said the transport department has proposed to develop its assets on Public Private Participation mode to develop infrastructure at its disposal. Stressing the need for safety of commuters he said the State Road Safety Authority and a Road Safety Fund were proposed.

The transport department’s budgetary demand was later passed by the House by voice vote.