Date for feedback on bus rules for children safety extended

TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Having received poor response from the public, the State Transport Department has now extended the deadline for public suggestions and objections to the rules and directions drafted by the Amicus Curiae of the High Court, for ensuring safety of school children while traveling by buses.  

The date for feedback on the rules has been extended till September 1. The rules make it mandatory for each aided and unaided schools to appoint a school safety officer, who will be responsible for transport arrangements for school children. 

The transport department has appealed School management and transporters to give their views on safe transportation of school children. 

Director Transport Arun Desai said that the rules, which were made public last month for a period of 10 days has not received much response. Only three suggestions have been received so far, he disclosed. 

The rules were drafted following High Court directives while hearing a suo motu petition in which the court has taken cognizance of newspaper reports in the wake of the Calvim mishap that claimed six lives, including those of four school children, in February 2012.  

The Court while disposing off the suo moto petition had directed government to consider the suggestions given by Amicus Curiae by constituting a committee of experts. Following this the government constituted a five members committee, which decided to keep the rules for public suggestions. 

“The committee which met recently has decided to extend the deadline. We appeal to school managements and transporters to submit their suggestions for transportation of school children,” Desai said.   

Amicus Curiae, while welcoming School bus rules, pending before Government, suggested extending the operations of Bal Rath Scheme.  

It was also recommended to depute twelve dedicated motor vehicle inspectors, one in each taluka to ensure regular implementation of traffic rules by school buses. Surprise checks by police to ensure the students’ safety have also been recommended.