Nellore: While the transport and police departments are paying special attention to impose heavy fines on those violating helmet rule to achieve their monthly targets instead of finding ways to change the attitude of two-wheeler riders, Sayyed Khadar Basha, a chaiwala in Nellore has been presenting three helmets (ISI certified) free of cost to his regular customers through a lucky draw on weekly basis.
Popularly known as Mansoor, Basha has studied only up to Class IX. He gives a coupon after noting down the address and mobile number of anyone ordering chai at his Mansoor Cafe located near Ayyappa temple at Nellore City and holds the draw every Sunday.
“Two fatal accidents where two young motorcycle riders succumbed to head injury in front of my eyes prompted me to come out with this scheme despite resistance from my family given the huge difference between the cost of the helmet and a cup of tea.
In fact no one believed when I started the scheme and some of the winners were surprised when I called them to come and collect the helmet,” Basha, who also offers free WiFi access in his outlet to customers, said.
With the help of a techie, he maintains the details, especially mobile number of winners in a computer system to avoid the same person getting the prize again.
Incidentally a helmet dealer started offering the ISI brand helmets for cost price to Basha after he learned about his novel idea.
The district administration has recognised his concern for society. District collector M. Janaki presented a memento and appreciated him during the Traffic Safety Week held in January this year at the instance of the Transport Department.
So far Basha has presented 50 helmets and he claims that his business also improved because of the scheme. Citing a video cliping doing the rounds on WhatsApp where a SI collects Rs 1,000 fine from a bike rider for not wearing helmet and leaves the scene without giving receipt, only to return in a short while to present a new helmet he purchased with the fine amount.
Basha feels that the government should follow suit and provide helmet for fine amount if their concern for public safety is genuine.
