Context:  Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways will launch the much-awaited Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP).

• This programme is a significant step forward in the Government’s commitment to improve road safety through raising the safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in India.

Key Points

• The programme aims to provide a tool to the car customers to make a comparative assessment of crash safety of motor vehicles available in the market. 
• Under this programme, car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their cars tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. 
• Based on the performance of the car in the tests, car will be awarded star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupant (COP). 
• Potential car customers can refer to these star ratings to compare the safety standards of different vehicles and accordingly make their purchase-decision.
• According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data from 2021, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol contributed to 1.9% of deaths from accidents.
• According to the World Bank’s data from 2019, India ranked first among the top 20 countries for road accidents.
• Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019 provides for a National Road Safety Board, to be created by the Central Government.