Gautam Budh Nagar | January 22, 2026
The Transport Department of Gautam Buddha Nagar has intensified its oversight of school vehicle safety across the district. It issued strict directions to all educational institutions to comply with transport and child safety regulations. The department has warned that any violation will result in personal legal liability for school management or principals. This marked a significant shift in accountability.
Student Safety Declared Top Priority
Assistant Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) Dr Udit Narayan Pandey stated that student safety remains non-negotiable. He emphasised that negligence in operating school vehicles will no longer be treated as an institutional lapse alone. Instead, school managers and principals will be held personally responsible for failures related to transport safety.
This directive applies to all vehicles operating under a school’s authority, whether owned by the institution or hired through third-party operators.
Mandatory Legal and Safety Compliance for School Vehicles
The Transport Department has instructed schools to ensure that every vehicle used for student transport meets all statutory requirements. These include:
- Valid vehicle permit
- Fitness certificate
- Motor insurance
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Driver holding a valid driving licence
Officials clarified that the absence of any one document would be treated as a serious violation. Schools have been advised to maintain updated records and conduct periodic internal checks.
GPS, CCTV, and Emergency Safety Now Compulsory
To strengthen monitoring and emergency response, the department has made several safety features mandatory in school vehicles. These include:
- GPS tracking systems
- CCTV cameras
- Fire extinguishers
- First-aid kits
- Functional seat belts
- Clearly marked emergency exits
Authorities noted that these measures are essential to ensure quick action during accidents, breakdowns, or emergencies.
Driver Verification and Training Made Mandatory
The order also places strict responsibility on schools to ensure the reliability and preparedness of drivers and conductors. All staff involved in student transport must undergo:
- Police verification
- Medical fitness tests
- Mandatory safety and behavioural training
The department stressed that unverified or untrained personnel pose serious risks to children and will not be permitted under any circumstances.
Female Attendants Mandatory for Girl Students’ Safety
In a move aimed at enhancing gender-sensitive safety, the Transport Department has made the deployment of female attendants compulsory on school vehicles carrying girl students. Officials said the step aligns with broader child protection and women’s safety policies.
This requirement is expected to bring greater confidence among parents and improve on-ground safety during daily commutes.
School Transport Safety Committees to Be Formed
Every school in the district must now constitute a School Transport Safety Committee. These committees are required to:
- Hold monthly meetings
- Review vehicle compliance
- Address safety complaints
- Implement corrective measures
Schools must also ensure that decisions taken during these meetings are documented and strictly followed.
Strict Action for Violations and Accidents
The Transport Department has made it clear that violations will attract criminal, administrative, and legal action. In cases of accidents or criminal incidents involving school vehicles, authorities will investigate whether school management negligence played a role.
If proven, action will be taken directly against the concerned principal or management. The department may also recommend cancellation of the school’s recognition, a step that could severely impact institutional operations.
Strengthening Accountability in School Transport
This enforcement drive reflects growing concerns over student safety during school commutes, especially in rapidly urbanising districts like Gautam Budh Nagar. By fixing personal accountability, authorities aim to close long-standing gaps in implementation and oversight.
The Transport Department has urged parents and school authorities to cooperate and report violations. Officials believe that consistent enforcement and collective responsibility are key to preventing avoidable tragedies.
Courtesy: Information Department, Gautam Budh Nagar
Clear Cut Research Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Jan 23, 2026 01:10 IST
Written By: Nidhi Chandrikapure
