Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has taken suo moto cognizance of the recent Balrath bus accident in Bali, emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of students.
In response to this concern, the Commission convened a joint hearing on 14th December 2023, with key stakeholders, including the Directorate of Transport, the Directorate of Education, and the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Traffic.
Following a thorough examination of the matter, the Commission has issued the following directives, which are to be strictly adhered to by all relevant authorities.
1) The Commission mandates a thorough safety audit for the Balrath fleet, strictly adhering to the guidelines established by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
The audit should comprehensively assess critical aspects, including vehicle condition, safety features, driver qualifications, route planning, identification, signage, and communication systems.
Findings must be meticulously documented, and immediate corrective actions must be taken to address identified deficiencies.
The audit report should be submitted to the Commission within two months for review and further action.
Action: Directorate of Education
2) In light of safety concerns related to the ageing Balrath fleet and in view of insufficient buses, the Commission directs the prompt acquisition of new buses to replace those surpassing their operational lifespan.
Notably, the state has not procured new buses for over a decade.
When considering replacements, factors such as age, maintenance history, and safety features must be taken into account. Investing in a modern and dependable fleet is imperative to ensure the continuous safety and well-being of students during their daily commutes.
Share the compliance report with the Commission within four months to apprise them of the progress of the new bus acquisition and its adherence to safety standards. Action: Directorate of Education
3) Formulate the “Hiring of Private Vehicle for School Transportation Policy,” outlining guidelines and procedures for engaging private vehicles in transporting students. This policy should establish a framework ensuring safety, reliability, and adherence to standards in utilizing private transportation services.
Key 2 components may include criteria for selecting providers, safety measures, contractual agreements, insurance requirements, and emergency protocols, with the overarching goal of maintaining a secure and efficient transportation system prioritizing student well-being.
Share the compliance report with the Commission within two months, providing an overview of the policy’s implementation and effectiveness.
Action: Directorate of Transport
4) Issue a circular to School Transportation Committees, addressing and reporting instances of overloaded private vehicles transporting students. Emphasize vigilance by PTAs to actively monitor transportation, ensure compliance with safety standards, establish a reporting mechanism for overloading cases, collaborate with authorities, and initiate awareness campaigns to educate parents and drivers on seating capacity importance.
The committees should share a compliance report with the Commission within two months, providing updates on the implemented measures and outcomes.
Action: Directorate of Education
5) Issue a circular to all schools under its jurisdiction, requiring them to conduct compulsory annual fitness certification for school buses in June, prior to the commencement of the academic year.
Schools are obligated to include the annual fitness certificate with their applications for maintenance grants. This procedure aims to streamline the process and enable a thorough assessment of the buses’ fitness status before allocating funds for maintenance.
The schools should provide a compliance report to the Commission within two months to ensure transparency and oversight.
Action: Directorate of Education
6) Initiate a special drive to address the issue of overcrowding of students in private vehicles ferrying students to schools in Goa.
This drive should focus on enforcing and raising awareness about the importance of adhering to prescribed seating capacities to ensure the safety and well-being of students during transportation. Additionally, conduct awareness campaigns to educate both parents and drivers on the significance of complying with safety standards and regulations regarding student transportation.
This proactive approach aims to create a safer environment for students commuting in private vehicles. Provide a compliance report to the Commission within two months to facilitate ongoing monitoring and assessment of the implemented measures.
Action: Directorate of Education
Non-compliance Warning:
Failure to comply may result in further legal actions as per provisions under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. This order is issued with utmost concern for the safety and well-being of children. Issued on 17th December 2023 Peter Floriano Borges Hon’ble Chairperson Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
