Panchkula: School bus impounded, eight others challaned for safety norms violations

Members of the Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Anil Kumar and Shyam Shukla, conducted an inspection in the district under the Safe School Vehicle Policy.

During the visit, the Commission’s team carried out a surprise inspection of Holy Child School in Morni Block.

The inspection covered school vehicle safety arrangements, drivers’ documents, compliance with student safety standards and related guidelines.

Checks were also made on vehicle fitness, route plates and timings, insurance, licences, first-aid kits, CCTV cameras, uniforms and ID cards of drivers and conductors, fire extinguishers, speed governors, mandatory helpline numbers, and emergency exit gates.

A school bus, meanwhile, was found with a bypassed, non-functional speed governor and was impounded on the spot at the Panchkula bus stand.

Eight other buses were also issued challans for not having CCTV cameras or fire extinguishers as per the regulations.

The commission directed that CCTV footage should be linked to the school transport in-charge or principal, not the driver, and retained for three months. Emergency exits must be clearly marked, and helpline numbers 1098 and 112 displayed on all buses. The front windscreen must read “School Bus” along with the bus number and route chart, not the school’s name.

Transport in-charges must ensure drivers are sober at all times.

Schools have been given one week to rectify deficiencies, failing which action will be taken for endangering student safety. Officials stressed regular checks to ensure all school vehicles operate strictly in accordance with prescribed safety standards.

The inspection team also included Rajneesh Kumar (Child Welfare Committee member), Nidhi Malik (District Child Protection Officer), Mohit Lakra, Brijesh Passi (RTA Panchkula), Satbir Singh (TM Roadways), Pawan Kumar, Sujesh Kumar (Education Department), Narendra Kumar (Traffic In-charge SHO), and Tarsem Singh (Fire Station Officer).