Huddled into pick-up, students ferried to tournament venue in Banjar

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, June 24

Nothing goes unnoticed on the social media these days. A picture uploaded by some random user showing students of government schools being huddled into a pick-up for some sports event has gone viral.

One wonders what the Education Department and school managements do with the funds meant to provide sports kits and better mode of transportation to students.

It is not the first time that such an incident has come to light. Earlier too, school managements have ferried students in such vehicles.

Parents are often charged hefty sums in the name of sports fee. The place, where the picture has been taken is Banjar, where on June 20 a major bus mishap took place, killing 45 persons and injuring several others.

Raj Chauhan, a resident of Kullu, said: “The state government should take strict note of such incidents. The picture clearly shows that the school authorities are not concerned about the students’ safety as the vehicle is overloaded. The state and Central governments are providing special funds for such events, but it is sad that the safety of students is being compromised by irresponsible teachers and school managements.” He said for a block or district-level tournament, buses should be arranged for students. Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj should direct the department to make students’ safety a priority. Violators should be dealt with strictly.

Nand Lal Thakur, a local, said most parents were not aware of the mismanagement as they trusted the authorities. “It is the responsibility of the state government and the Education Department to issue strict directions to the school authorities to use funds in a proper way. Those defying the orders should be suspended,” he added.

It is learnt that post Banjar accident, the police have tightened the noose around traffic rule violators.

Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj could not be reached. The Director General of Police has already asked officials not to tolerate overloading. When asked to comment on the violation, Joint Director, Elementary Education, KD Sharma said the safety of students was their priority. “Directions have been issued to school managements in this regard. Students participating in any sports event up to elementary level do not have to pay any fee. The state government will bear the entire expenditure. Apart from this, Rs 10,000 is being provided to each school to facilitate sportspersons,” he added.