Bhopal: Buses sans GPS tracking, non-functional speed governor, empty first aid box were the serious lapses transport minister Govind Rajput came across while conducting surprise inspection of buses of educational institutions here on Friday.
Eleven buses were challaned during surprise inspection for violating safety norms and guidelines, while one bus of RKDF College was seized by the authorities for running sans the required necessities. The minister inspected 24 buses at ISBT engaged by school and colleges. Around 2,000 school buses ply on city roads daily ferrying students.
During the inspection, the minister found that a number of safety guidelines were flouted by the school and college buses. The minister strictly instructed the drivers and conductors to follow the dress code and adhere to the guidelines. He warned that their permit and licenses would be cancelled if they were found violating the rules.
MP School Vahan Chalak Seva Samiti has been accusing district administration and police of harassing them on pretext of verification. The bus operators have been directed to undertake fitness check at regional transport office (RTO) annually.
The administration has even directed the drivers and conductors of buses, vans and autos ferrying school and college students to undertake personal verification. Meanwhile, welcoming the action against errant bus operators, Campion School public relations officer Vijay Minz said the minister has taken a good initiative of conducting inspection as it will ensure better safety of schools children.
Minz said that his school has its own buses and so they ensure implementation of guidelines and norms. Problem is with schools that have limited buses and have to hire from other agency, said the PRO , adding that in such cases the schools neither have any control over the maintenance of vehicle and nor control over the drivers and conductors.
