Gurugram launches inspection drive for school buses
Following the Haryana Human Rights Commission’s directives, the Gurugram administration began a special joint inspection drive for school buses to ensure safe school commutes for students, an official said on Monday.
On the first day of the drive, 105 buses operated by various schools underwent thorough inspections regarding all safety standards prescribed under the Safe School Vehicle Policy and Motor Vehicle Rules, the official said.
“On the first day of inspection, irregularities were found in only a few buses and notices will be issued to concerned school operators. If deficiencies are not rectified within a week, action will be taken according to the rule,” said Harendra Veer, ADTO and Assistant Secretary (RTA), Gurugram.
The special campaign will continue for 15 consecutive days, during which approximately 4,500 school buses operating in the district will be inspected, he said.
According to an official statement, a joint team constituted under the Deputy Commissioner’s directives comprises the DCP (Traffic), ADTO-Assistant Secretary (RTA), General Manager (Haryana Roadways), the SDMs (or their representatives) of Gurugram, Badshahpur, Pataudi, Manesar, and Sohna, the District Education Officer (or their representative), and the Road Safety Officer.
In accordance with a scheduled programme, the joint team is visiting various schools across the district to inspect school buses, which include the verification of bus registration, fitness certificates, permits, insurance, drivers’ licenses, badges, medical fitness, and police verification, as well as the availability of bus attendants/helpers.
Additionally, equipment such as speed governors, GPS devices, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency exits, and reflective tapes were inspected, alongside the mandatory school bus markings and emergency contact details, they added.
Upon finding any irregularities or deficiencies in school buses, notices will be issued to the concerned school management and vehicle operators, he said.
The operators will be given one week to rectify all deficiencies, after which action will be taken if the deficiencies remain unaddressed, he said.
