A recent inspection of 538 school buses in Gurgaon has exposed serious safety violations, leading to 31 challans being issued. The violations have raised concerns over student safety, highlighting the need for strict enforcement of the Surakshit School Vahan Policy (SSVP). Officials stress that schools must prioritize compliance to prevent potential accidents and security risks. Source Times of India.
Major Safety Violations Identified:
- Faulty or Missing CCTV Cameras: Many buses either lacked CCTV cameras or had dysfunctional ones. Some were found tampered with or had no footage backup, making it difficult to monitor incidents during transit. This compromises the safety of students. Source Times of India.
- Emergency Equipment Issues: Several buses had expired first aid kits, and others lacked important emergency contact details like school names and helpline numbers. In a crisis, such omissions could delay emergency response and put children at risk.
- Physical Safety Hazards: Inspectors found broken emergency doors, missing horizontal safety grills, and exposed battery compartments, which pose serious risks of injury to children. Such lapses increase the likelihood of accidents. Some buses also had faulty fire extinguishers, further endangering students in case of a fire. Source Times of India.
- Lack of Staff Verification: Several school bus drivers and conductors were operating without police verification, raising concerns about student security and the risk of unauthorized personnel handling school transport. Proper background checks are necessary to ensure child safety. Source Times of India.
Authorities Crack Down
Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar has directed sub-divisional magistrates to compile detailed data on schools and their transportation facilities. Schools found violating safety regulations will face strict penalties and legal action. The administration is also considering regular audits to ensure compliance.
A Collective Responsibility
Ensuring safe school transport requires cooperation from school authorities, transport providers, parents, and government agencies. Adhering to strict safety standards is not just a legal duty—it is a moral responsibility to protect children and prevent avoidable accidents. Source Times of India.