DTOs asked to submit details of private school bus drivers within 15 days

Chandigarh, December 17, 2014: The Punjab government has directed all the District Transport Officers to submit the complete report, regarding the school buses plying in their respective districts, within 15 days.

Addressing a meeting of the members of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab, Sukesh Kalia Chairman, said that the DTOs have been directed to present the complete record of the school buses like fitness certificate, registration certificate, driving license number of the driver and the details of the conductor to the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab. Addressing a meeting of the members of the Commission, Kalia said that strict action would be taken against the transport officers not submitting the details within 15 days. The DTOs have also been directed to ensure and certify that all school buses plying in their respective districts are complying with Supreme Court Guidelines.

Expressing concern over the casual approach and negligent driving of the school bus drivers plying vehicles without any valid documents, Kalia said that it was painful to note that the private school authorities have not been taking caution in ensuring the security of the children while commuting in school buses. Referring to the recent accident case of a school bus turned down and killing one 4 year old child at Jalandhar, Kalia said that after investigations it was found that the driver was without license.

Taking serious note of the management committees recruiting untrained drivers without any valid documents and certificates, Kalia has urged the appointing authorities to be more vigilant in recruiting the drivers. Only experienced and trained drivers so that the safety of the children could be ensured.

Kalia further pointed out that the coaching and day care centres were lacking in the basic amenities. He has also asked that authorities to make sure the proper seating arrangements, toilets, drinking water facilities and congenial atmosphere in these commercial centers. He also said that the commission would randomly check the institutes and take appropriate action against them if the basic amenities were not ensured.

The Board also condemned the recent barbaric terrorist activity in Pakistan killing more than 100 children. Kalia said that the children are the future of any country and they should not be harmed in the larger interest of the countries.

Sumer Singh Gurjjar, Secretary of the Commission, Deputy Director Rajwinder Singh Gill, members Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Sheela Devi were present along with other officers.

 

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