Regional Transport Officer Babandeep Singh Walia said that the district administration has issued notices to the schools of Samana to strictly implement the Safe School Vehicle Policy and instructed them to ensure compliance with the rules within 10 days. He said that as per the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, Samana SDM Richa Goyal, District Child Protection Officer Rupwant Kaur, Transport Department and Traffic Police team inspected the vehicles of 8 private schools falling under Samana subdivision.
During this period, due to the deficiencies revealed under the Safe School Vehicle Policy, 66 out of 82 vehicles were challaned, 4 vehicles were seized and a total fine of Rs 1.75 lakh was also imposed. SDM Richa Goyal said that on 7th, 9th and 11th July, 2, 4 and 2 schools were inspected respectively. Apart from this, inspections were also conducted in these schools under the POCSO Act and school bag policy and lectures were also organised. He said that schools are being repeatedly instructed not to be negligent in ensuring the safe movement of children.
He clarified that unless school vehicles or private vehicles are safe in every respect, the safety of children cannot be ensured. The safety of children is the collective responsibility of the administration, schools and parents.
