No meeting on school bus safety in 18 months: RTI

Times of India: Gurugram: Monday, September 11, 2017.

It is not just Ryan International School that has been guilty of major lapses. It now appears that the district education office too was guilty of improper implementation of norms.

In a reply to an RTI filed by Gurgaon-based activist Aseem Takyar, it has been revealed that no meeting of 'Suraksha School Vahan' policy, formulated by the state government in 2016, was called by the education department in the last year and a half. "No meeting has been called regarding the 'Suraksha School Vahan' policy by the education office," states an RTI response.

The road and transport authority (RTA) department, on the other hand, refused to provide details of any inspection that took place or report thereof, to comply with norms. "I have been chasing the RTA department to reveal details on inspections carried out by them, and the reports they have prepared so far. Even after filing the first appeal, I didn't get any response. It's clearly a big lapse on their part too," alleged Takyar.

The 'Guidelines For Safety of Children in Schools', drafted by the district administration some three years ago, have also not been followed. "Specifically for bus drivers and conductors, whether employed by the school or on contract, access area must be limited to just the bus bay, and specific instructions must be given to them on which areas are out of bounds for them. It is therefore suggested that a toilet is provided in this area or other clearly specified area with visible but secluded access, to prevent the need for such persons to enter the school premises," states the guidelines, which are still available on the website of Gurgaon police.

Odette Katrak, one of the parents who formed a draft of the guidelines in 2014, said Pradhyumn's death could have been avoided if all safety guidelines were followed. "Had police and schools implemented the guidelines in letter and spirit, such tragedy would never happen. I hope they do it now. That way, Pradhyumn's death will safeguard kids henceforth," she said.