Andhra Pradesh officials have mandated that all educational institutions—schools and colleges—must fully comply with bus safety standards by May 20, 2024. This follows a recent High Court directive addressing concerns over inadequate safety measures in school and college buses.
Key requirements include ensuring buses meet pollution control norms, possessing valid fitness certificates, having first-aid boxes, fire extinguishers, and trained drivers and attendants. Institutions must also display emergency contact information prominently within the buses.
Transport Commissionerate officials have issued clear instructions to Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to conduct thorough inspections of all educational institution buses. Non-compliance will result in strict action, including suspension of bus permits and potential legal consequences for institution management.
The directive emphasizes the need for buses to adhere to prescribed seating capacity and prohibits carrying students exceeding this limit. Institutions are responsible for verifying the driving licenses of bus drivers and ensuring they have no history of traffic violations. Attendants must be present on every bus to assist students and ensure their safety.
Officials have also stressed the importance of regular maintenance of buses, including brake checks, tyre condition, and overall vehicle upkeep. Institutions are required to submit a compliance report to the Transport Department detailing the measures taken to meet the safety standards.
The move aims to prevent accidents and ensure the safe transportation of students. The Transport Department will continue monitoring compliance and conduct surprise checks to verify adherence to the guidelines. Institutions failing to meet the May 20 deadline face potential closure of transport services. The focus is on creating a safer environment for students travelling to and from educational institutions across Andhra Pradesh.
