Considering the notices — served by Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) against buses running older than ten years — school administration has initiated replacing the buses in a phased manner. Some of the school buses, which have completed ten years, will go off road by the end of March this year.
Delhi Public School (DPS) principal J Mohanty while sharing the information said, “We have decided to replace a pair of unfit buses with new ones from the new session.” Highlighting the problems faced by the school in replacing old and worn out busses Mohanty further added, “It is not possible for a school to immediately purchase a new fleet of buses due to lack of fund for the same. During a checking drive conducted a couple of months ago Ranchi MVI has certified as many as four buses unfit. Out of four, two are getting replaced now and later will be done by next financial year.”
Besides DPS, Jawahar Vidya Mandir (JVM) Shyamli, loreto Convent Ranchi, Sacred Heart Convent School Ranchi and St Thomas Ranchi have also decided to change the discarded busses with new busses from new session. “The school administration is also concerned for their students’ safety and security. Our action will have direct impact on students and their parents as well, the administration after looking at every aspect has decided to bring changes in phases,” added Joshep J Aryrookuzy Principal of St Thomas School.
Meanwhile, District Transport Officer (DTO) Rajesh Kumar who is regularly keeping an eye on school buses for ensuring the security and safety of students has also welcomed the decision. Kumar sharing the information about the same said, “We are conducting checking drive on monthly basis and have found that school administrations are extending their round the clock support in ensuring students security while commuting from home to school as vise versa. The regular check drives has supported the administration to figure out the loop holes and find solution for the same accordingly. Majority of the schools is following the security norms and we are hopeful that soon commuting in buses for students will become safe in the State capital.”
However, Abhibhawak Manch Member Ajay Rai has alleged the school administration behind existence of poor fleet of buses in the State capital. He said, “Under Jharkhand Education Panel section 811, a committee of 12 members has been formed to monitor the safety and security aspect of school buses. The committee is headed by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Vinay Kumar Choubey. Ironically, there exist a gap between school administration and the committee due to which committee is failing to serve it purpose. It is direst need of the hour to bridge the gap and jointly work for the student’s safety.”