Srinagar, Dec 16 (KINS): Transport Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan held a meeting today with school representatives to discuss the safety audit of vehicles transporting students. The objective was to ensure that vehicles used for student transportation meet safety standards and are fit for operation.
Citing Supreme Court directives regarding school buses, the Transport Commissioner set January 31 as the deadline for the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in all school buses. This measure aims to monitor the actions of drivers and assisting staff during transit, ensuring round-the-clock safety for students.
The school authorities were also instructed to ensure all buses are equipped with functional speed governors, limiting the speed to 40 km/h, in accordance with established guidelines. It was emphasized that buses violating safety norms—particularly in terms of overloading or overspeeding—will be immediately seized.
The authorities confirmed their adherence to all safety measures outlined in the Supreme Court guidelines, assuring that steps are being taken to protect children. Additionally, they were urged to prevent underage students from driving two-wheelers or four-wheelers on school premises. Schools were also directed to conduct counseling sessions with parents to highlight the risks and consequences of underage driving.
It was noted that while most schools operate their own fleet of vehicles, some parents use private vehicles for student transport. In these cases, it is the responsibility of the school authorities to ensure these vehicles meet the mandatory safety guidelines, including emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, GPS trackers, CCTV cameras, seat belts, and fire detection systems.
The meeting was attended by Joint Transport Commissioner Vinay Samotra, Assistant Transport Commissioner, ARTO (HQ) Jammu, and school authorities.(KINS)
Transport Commissioner Sets January 31 Deadline for CCTV Installation in School Buses
