In a significant move to bolster student safety, the Directorate of Education (DoE) in Goa has issued a strict directive to all schools. The order mandates compulsory police verification for every driver and helper involved in transporting schoolchildren.
New Safety Mandate for School Transport
The directive, formulated in line with guidelines from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), leaves no room for exception. The rule applies to all vehicles used for student transport, including school buses, vans, and Balrath vehicles. No individual will be permitted to ferry students without possessing a valid and satisfactory police verification certificate.
The DoE's communication to schools is unequivocal. It states that the responsibility for ensuring full compliance with this order rests squarely with the head of the respective educational institution. This places school principals and administrators at the forefront of implementing this critical child safety measure.
Ongoing Compliance and Record-Keeping
The directive is not a one-time exercise. Schools have been instructed that police verification must be renewed periodically to ensure continued validity. Furthermore, a fresh verification certificate must be obtained whenever a new driver or helper is engaged, ensuring that all current staff members are continuously vetted.
A key part of the compliance mechanism involves meticulous record-keeping. Educational institutions are now required to maintain detailed records of the verification details for all their transport staff. These records must be readily available for inspection by authorities whenever required, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Implications for Schools and Parents
This move by the Goa Directorate of Education is expected to bring a systemic change in how school transport staff are screened. It aims to provide a safer commuting environment for students by adding a crucial layer of background checks. For parents, this policy offers an added assurance regarding the individuals entrusted with their children's daily travel.
The order from Panaji underscores a growing national focus on child safety within educational ecosystems. By enforcing mandatory police verification, the authorities aim to deter potential risks and create a more secure framework for student transportation across the state.
