PANJIM: The State government has instructed all government and private-run school vehicles to prominently display ‘helpline numbers’ or ‘mobile messaging app’ in a bid to ensure safety and security of students using the transport facility.
The new rule will bring about discipline among school buses/vans/auto rickshaws as many are known to carry more children than their capacity allows. Transport department has already begun a crackdown on such vehicles, an initiative that follows directives from the High Court of Bombay at Goa.
Education department’s circular asking vehicle operators to mandatorily maintain records of students, comes in response to the same public interest litigation in the High Court.
In September last, Herald had reported how students were stuffed in buses and vans dangerously and ferried to school daily in violation of the apex court guidelines. The High Court subsequently took suo moto cognisance of the report, seeking a response from the State on the safety of students going to school in buses and vans. The Transport Department then formed guidelines and called for public suggestions.
“The drivers/conductors of Bal Rath buses or any other private owners or operators operating motor vehicle carrying/transporting school going children shall maintain a complete list of school children indicating the name of student, school/class, residence and the phone numbers of guardian/parent of such students and the ‘helpline number’ or ‘mobile messaging App’ be placed outside on the vehicle…” an extract from the circular reads.
The objective of the helpline and the messaging app is so that the people have the option to upload videos or photographs on networking sites or forward proof to the department, if they find any violation.
“All the heads of government and government aided, unaided primary to higher secondary schools should strictly follow the procedure to avoid untoward incidents and ensure safety of school going children,” Education Director Gajanan Bhat said.
