Chandigarh: Private schools in Chandigarh are facing strict legal prosecution and potential closures unless they rectify dangerous student transport zones and illegal campus modifications during the summer holidays. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav issued the ultimatum to school executives following a safety audit that revealed widespread compliance failures across local private campuses.
New Safety Directives for School Transport
Under the new directives, all student loading and drop-offs must occur entirely inside school boundaries under adult supervision. The order addresses a growing safety hazard where buses frequently block public traffic lanes during peak hours, endangering students and commuters alike. Schools are required to ensure that no student is dropped off or picked up on public roads, and that designated zones within the campus are used exclusively for this purpose.
Crackdown on Illegal Campus Modifications
The administration’s crackdown also targets schools that illegally modified their properties. Investigators found several institutions had diverted mandated, council-approved parking areas to build lawns, sports fields, or temporary classrooms. School boards must clear all encroachments and restore the spaces for school fleet parking before students return. Failure to comply will result in immediate legal action, including fines and potential closure of the institution.
Unannounced Inspections Post-Holidays
Code enforcement teams will launch unannounced, sweeping inspections as soon as the summer break ends. Yadav warned that any school caught violating safety protocols after the holiday window will face immediate punitive action without further notice. The deputy commissioner emphasized that the safety of students is paramount, and no leniency will be shown to institutions that flout regulations.
This move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance safety standards in educational institutions across Chandigarh. Parents have welcomed the initiative, expressing relief that the administration is taking concrete steps to address long-standing concerns about student safety during school commutes and campus activities.
