District authorities review school transport safety standards

Prayagraj: A meeting of the District School Vehicle Transport Safety Committee was held on Tuesday to ensure safe transportation of schoolchildren. The meeting, chaired by district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, reviewed various aspects of school transport systems and took several key decisions to strengthen safety standards.The DM made it clear that there would be zero tolerance towards any compromise on student safety and warned that strict action would be taken against schools and vehicle operators found violating norms. He stressed that negligence in school transport would not be tolerated under any circumstances.Among the major decisions, it was made mandatory for all the school vehicles to have valid fitness certificates, fire extinguishers, functional emergency exit doors and to ensure medical fitness of the drivers.Schools have also been directed to ensure police verification of drivers and check the validity of their driving licences. Authorities emphasised that under no condition should unverified or unqualified drivers be allowed to operate school vehicles.Additionally, all schools have been instructed to constitute School Transport Safety Committees. These committees will play a crucial role in spreading awareness among students about road safety rules. The Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) and traffic department have been directed to conduct intensive inspection of school vehicles and take immediate action against violations.The DM also stressed the need to prevent traffic congestion outside schools, directing officials to ensure smooth movement during opening and closing hours. He reiterated that student safety remains the top priority and any lapse in this regard would invite strict consequences.