The district administration in Gurgaon has significantly escalated its efforts to protect schoolchildren by implementing stringent and systematic inspections of school buses, operating under the framework of Haryana's Safe Vehicle Policy. This decisive action comes in direct response to directives issued by the deputy commissioner, who has instructed all sub-divisional magistrates to ensure strict compliance and take severe measures against any violations detected.
Coordinated Inspection Drive in Badshahpur
In the Badshahpur subdivision, a comprehensive and coordinated inspection campaign will be executed by joint teams comprising officials from the transport department, traffic police, and education department. According to officials, these meticulous checks are specifically designed to tackle persistent concerns regarding safety oversights and to proactively prevent accidents that often result from negligence.
Comprehensive Safety Parameters Under Scrutiny
Badshahpur SDM Sanjiv Singla elaborated on the extensive scope of the inspections, stating, "Buses that transport students will undergo thorough examinations for multiple critical documents and safety features. This includes verifying valid fitness certificates, permits, insurance coverage, pollution under control certificates, and timely payment of road tax."
Authorities will also conduct detailed assessments of essential safety installations. Speed governors, GPS tracking systems, and CCTV cameras must be properly installed and fully functional. Furthermore, fire safety equipment, first-aid boxes, and clearly marked emergency exits will be closely scrutinized to ensure they meet required standards.
Focus on Personnel and Seating Arrangements
The inspection regime extends beyond vehicle mechanics to include personnel verification. Officials will check that all drivers possess valid licences, wear prescribed uniforms, and carry proper identification badges. A significant mandate is the compulsory presence of trained female attendants on school buses, especially those carrying younger children, to provide additional supervision and care.
Seating arrangements will also be evaluated to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each child has adequate space and that capacity limits are strictly adhered to, thereby reducing risks during transit.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Accountability
Senior administration officials have emphasized that a zero-tolerance approach has been adopted, motivated by past incidents and numerous complaints from concerned parents. The administration has clarified that accountability will not be confined to bus drivers alone. In instances of serious or repeated violations, legal action will be pursued against school owners and management as well.
An official underscored this stance, stating, "Children's safety is non-negotiable. Any compromise, whether by drivers or school authorities, will invite strict action." Potential penalties include substantial fines, suspension of permits, and, in extreme cases, prosecution under relevant legal provisions.
Sustained and Phased Implementation
The inspections are planned as a phased and continuous initiative, covering prominent private and public schools across the Badshahpur subdivision. Officials have indicated that this drive will subsequently be extended to other parts of the Gurgaon district, ensuring widespread coverage and consistent enforcement.
Positive Reception and Long-Term Commitment
Parents' groups have welcomed this proactive move, describing it as a necessary step to restore confidence in the safety of school transport systems. The administration has reiterated that this will not be a one-time exercise but a sustained, long-term effort dedicated to ensuring that every child travels to and from school in a safe and secure environment.
