Drivers must have five years of experience
Dehradun. Taking cognizance of the questions raised on the safety arrangements of children in school vehicles and the complaint of sexual harassment, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed the Secretary Transport and Director General of Police to take action. After the incident of sexual harassment of children in a school van by a driver in Dalanwala of Doon city, the Chief Minister has directed for verification of school vehicle drivers and conductors in the entire state.
In the same sequence, in the first phase from October 10, school vehicle drivers will be verified at the parade ground in Doon city. It will be the responsibility of the police to collect the criminal history of the drivers and conductors and verify their character.
Raising questions on the transportation facilities and safety of school children, ‘Dainik Jagran’ had published the news prominently on Friday. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed transport and police officials to take strict measures.
He asked to compulsorily follow the guidelines of the Supreme Court to ensure safety and transportation facilities of students in school vehicles. The Chief Minister said that action will be taken against whoever ignores this guideline.
Following the instructions of the Chief Minister, Secretary Transport Arvind Singh Hayanki instructed the transport officials that 14 rules have been made under the guidelines of the Supreme Court for the vehicles and drivers carrying school children, which should be followed 100 percent. Under this, any driver who has been challaned even once for overspeeding, drunken driving or dangerous driving should be removed from operating the school vehicle. Also, it is mandatory for the driver to have at least five years of experience in driving heavy vehicles.
On the orders of Secretary Transport, verification campaign of school vehicle drivers is being started in the first phase in Doon city. Giving this information, RTO (Enforcement) Shailesh Tiwari said that verification action will be taken by setting up a camp in the parade ground. In this, the driver will have to come with his driving license, Aadhar card and character verification letter. Complete details including name, address and mobile number of the driver will be with the department. During this period, forms of school vehicles will also be verified and stickers will be pasted on them. Counseling of vehicle drivers will also be done. Regarding this, the RTO has called a meeting of School Van Association officials in its office on Saturday.
Survey will also be conducted in schools
In view of the safety of children, the Transport Department will now visit schools and survey their transport facilities. RTO said, it will be seen whether children are coming to school by school bus, van, private cab, auto, rickshaw or by what means. Its report will be sent to the government.
