Deputy Commissioner Rahul Pandve has directed officers that the Draft Child Protection Policy for School Safety in Karnataka has to be implemented strictly.

Expressing concern over buses carrying school children in an unsafe manner, Mr. Pandve said that as per the direction issued by the Supreme Court, the school authorities in the district should strictly follow the guidelines and take extensive safety measures.

Mr. Pandve, in a press note, stated that necessary instructions have been issued to the regional Transport Department to inspect school vehicles to verify their valid documents, fitness certificates, and submit inspection reports on the 5th day of each calendar month in specific forms. Detailing safety measures for school vehicles, the Deputy Commissioner said that the vehicles must have to be written as “school bus” and “on school duty” at the front and rear sides of the vehicles. The buses should not carry students beyond the vehicle’s carrying capacity.

“Each bus must have a first-aid box for emergency purposes. The vehicles should have iron window grills and fire and emergency equipment, and valid fitness certificates. The address and telephone number of the school to which the vehicle belongs must be written visibly. The doors should have a proper locking system. The driver of such a vehicle should have five years of driving experience with a valid licence. Primarily, the vehicles should maintain records of travelling students with their name, class of study, residential address, contact number and blood groups,” Mr. Pandve said.

Referring to incidents of violation of the rule of the Motor Vehicle Act and guidelines issued accordingly, the Deputy Commissioner said that legal action would be initiated against violators.