Gaya Traffic Police Initiates Strict Enforcement Drive Against School Bus Operators
Concerned over a rising number of accidents, mounting complaints of reckless driving, and blatant violations of safety norms, the Gaya traffic police has decided to launch a special enforcement drive targeting school bus operators. This initiative aims to ensure strict compliance with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) safety guidelines, which include the mandatory installation of speed governors.
Failed Warnings Lead to Stringent Action
Traffic Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sudhir Kumar stated that previous efforts, such as counselling, advisories, and mild warnings issued to school bus operators, had failed to yield satisfactory results. This has made stringent enforcement unavoidable to prioritize children's safety. "The safety of schoolchildren cannot be left to chance. With repeated complaints and fatal incidents, strict action has now become necessary," he emphasized.
Major Concerns and Recent Incidents
Reckless driving by school bus drivers, often in an attempt to adhere to tight schedules, has emerged as a significant concern. Complaints are also common about buses entering congested lanes and narrow roads, which not only chokes traffic but also endangers pedestrians. Official estimates suggest that over 300 school buses criss-cross city roads and by-lanes two to four times daily, increasing risks during peak hours.
In recent months, several minor mishaps involving school buses have been reported, along with at least two fatal accidents. Both fatal incidents occurred on the busy Gaya–Dobhi Road, which is home to several prominent schools, including DAV and DPS. Adding to the concern, a school bus driver allegedly misbehaved with a girl student in Sherghati a few days ago, further highlighting gaps in monitoring and accountability.
Flouting of Norms and Blame Game
Activist B N Pathak alleged that despite repeated warnings from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), school bus operators continue to flout prescribed norms with impunity. He pointed out that the CBSE issued a detailed circular as early as February 23, 2017, laying down standard operating procedures for school buses, but implementation remains poor on the ground.
The CBSE guidelines mandate several safety measures: all school buses must be painted yellow with "School Bus" displayed prominently on the front and rear, use non-combustible seating material, and be equipped with fire safety arrangements. Other essentials include functional GPS and CCTV cameras, grille-fitted windows, emergency exits, speed governors capped at 40 kmph, uniformed drivers with name tags, a transport manager, at least one female attendant, adequate lighting, secure gate locks, space for school bags, and a fully stocked first-aid box.
However, there is currently no effective mechanism to ensure adherence. District Education Officer Krishna Murari Gupta stated that enforcement was the responsibility of the district transport office, while District Transport Officer Rajesh Kumar said oversight of school bus operations primarily rested with the education department.
Upcoming Enforcement Drive
Amid this blame game, traffic police officials announced that the upcoming drive will focus on on-road checks, document verification, and penal action against violators. The goal is to ensure that schoolchildren travel safely, with a particular emphasis on verifying compliance with all CBSE safety standards, including the critical installation of speed governors to prevent speeding-related accidents.
