Haryana Govt reformulates vahan policy for safe transport of schoolchildren

Ravinder Saini

Rohtak, July 24

The state government has reformulated existing ‘Surakshit School Vahan Policy’ to ensure safer transportation of schoolchildren by putting a check on road mishaps involving school buses.

Six children were killed and several others injured in a road mishap in Mahendragarh in April when a school bus overturned, which was being driven by driver under the influence of liquor.

As per draft of the policy, the school management will submit ‘Self-Certification’ every year on January 1 and July 1 through an affidavit while various committees at the state, district and sub-divisional level have been formed to execute, monitor and review the policy regularly.

Significantly, the district and sub-divisional level committees would, as per the policy draft, submit their monthly report to Transport Commissioner and inform about the number of schools inspected, vehicles checked, challans issued, vehicles found unfit and impounded.

“The Transport Department has also sent the draft policy to all stakeholders, including the Department of School and Higher Education, requesting them to provide suggestions/comments in this regard at the earliest,” sources said.

“The Surakshit School Vahan policy has been revised after a detailed discussion with private school associations and other stakeholders, including government departments. Now, we have sent the draft to all stakeholders to invite their suggestions. The policy will be finalised after incorporating their suggestions,” said Yashendra Singh, Transport Commissioner.

As per the draft policy, it will be the responsibility of the school management to take periodic feed-back from students and parents of students about the conduct of driver/conductor/attendant and to maintain its records.

The draft further states no one would be allowed to drive the school vehicle in a drunken state or under the influence of any narcotic substance. Regular checks will be undertaken by the school management and in case of any doubt, such drivers would be subjected to medical test immediately. The school management will maintain record of such inspections and medical tests done, if any. Any driver found driving in drunken condition or under the influence of any narcotic substance would be terminated from services with immediate effect.

Moreover, the school management will encourage either a member of teaching/non-teaching staff or representative of the parents’ association to travel with the children to keep a regular check on the driver/attendant/conductor. The vehicle owners/ contractor would ensure that the vehicle driver undergoes refresher course at least twice a year from any authorised Driving Training School. The driver should have at least five-year driving experience.

Move aimed at reducing mishaps

• As per draft of the policy, the school management will submit ‘Self-Certification’ every year on January 1 and July 1
• Various committees at the state, district and sub-divisional level have been formed to execute, monitor and review the policy regularly
• These committees will submit their monthly report to Transport Commissioner and inform about the number of schools inspected, vehicles checked, challans issued, unfit and impounded vehicles