LUCKNOW, Jan. 19 -- Dayashankar Singh, minister of state for transport (independent charge), here on Monday, called for tougher norms for issuing driving licences, saying the current system compromises road safety and needs to be strengthened to reduce accident fatalities.

Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day road safety workshop, Singh said obtaining a driving licence in India is relatively easy compared to foreign countries.

"Licences should not be issued to everyone who applies. They must be given only to those who are properly trained," Singh said. He called for tightening procedures for permanent driving licences, saying they should not be issued without proper testing.

The minister said rules and penalties alone cannot curb ...