Officials asked to ensure safe transport for schoolchildren

Amritsar, April 17

Acting on a complaint filed by Varun Khanna, president of Amritsar Parents’ Welfare Association, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) has issued a letter to district education authorities, asking them to take an undertaking from schools regarding their transport.

Khanna had complained to Deputy Commissioner Shivdular Singh after a news report surfaced regarding the “rape” of a seven-year-old girl by an autorickshaw driver who used to ferry her from home to school.

The District Child Protection Unit has asked the DEO (Elementary) and DEO (Secondary) to procure affidavits from schools regarding the police verification of drivers, conductors, dope tests of drivers and the availability of female attendant in school transport. No student should be allowed in vehicles which don’t follow the Safe School Vahan Scheme.

District Child Protection Officer Manpreet Kaur said, “As per the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Shivdular Singh, we have written to education authorities to take an affidavit from all private, affiliated, aided and associated schools.”

Varun Khanna, president of Amritsar Parents’ Welfare Association, said, “As citizen and a parent, I was deeply moved by agony of that child. I want the District Safe School Vahan Committee to look into the matter.”

DEO (Secondary) Salwinder Singh Samra said, “I have received the letter. Affidavits will be taken from schools.” The District Safe Vahan Committee comprises officials of the Education Department, District Child Protection Unit and transport. — TNS