School buses must follow all govt. norms to ensure safety & security, says DC Priyanka

Udupi: School vehicles ferrying children should compulsorily follow all the government norms to ensure their safety and security. It is mandatory for vehicle owners, drivers and educational institutions, said Priyanka Mary Francis, Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district. She was speaking during a meeting with the vehicle owners, drivers, institution

The school vehicles should have insurance policy, vehicle fitness record, first aid medicines box, emergency exist door and safety related records handy in case of accidents. They should be painted yellow and should mention "School Vehicle" on four places of the vehicle.

The vehicles must also have speed regulators and must kept in good condition. School vehicles must take on board only the registered students, she said.

She ordered the RTO to conduct training on safe driving and other safety issues to the drivers. The school authorities should check the background of the drivers too and they should have valid driving license.

During rainy seasons, the drivers should not be in hurry or compete with other vehicles. Drivers should pick and drop the children without any delay. The schools as well as the drivers must keep the students' addresses, phone numbers and other details during emergencies. During the rainy reason, when it may not be possible to reach school on time, the school authorities should not compel the drivers to drive fast, she said.

She ordered to Highway Authorities to put signal boards near to schools and take action against those who drive in wrong sides or not maintaining road rules by Highway patrolling police.

All the school authorities should conduct the children safety committee meeting every three months. During the meeting parents, school authorities and the drivers should discuss the measures taken for students’ safety, she directed.

 She said all the district government and private schools will be inspected regarding the children safety measures, their rights, the measures based on POSCO and graded accordingly.

She ordered education officers to find out the hazardous areas that the students might encounter regularly like ponds and and submit a report to the district administration followed by a resolution on the same. Regional Transport Officer Gurumurthi Kulkarni, DDPI Divakar Shetty and school representatives were present during the meeting.