JAMMU: Motor Vehicles Department Jammu on the directions of Secretary Transport J&K, Niraj Kumar conducted safety audit of school buses at K.C Public School here. The surprise inspection for safety audit of school buses was conducted by team of Regional Transport Office Jammu at K.C Public School. The team was constituted by Regional Transport Officer Jammu, Pankaj Bhagotra; comprising of ARTO HQ, Rehana Tabassam along with M.V.Is Vikas Srivats; Surinder Kumar and Jagandeep Singh and M.V.T.A Taranjot Singh who conducted safety audit of more than 35 vehicles inside the premises of school which included thorough inspections of each bus, checking for compliance with safety regulations such as seat belts, emergency exits, first aid kits, and overall maintenance of the vehicle. Also, more than 10 vehicles were inspected on road and at trial ground Nagrota. The team conveyed to the school authorities about the deficiencies with regard to fitness of vehicles, other documents besides mandatory parameters pertaining to safety of school children in each vehicle and directed to rectify the deficiencies immediately and submit the compliance report within 10 days positively. The safety audit comes after recent concern over the safety of school buses in the region, prompting the RTO to take proactive measures to address any potential risks. Earlier a circular regarding safety of school children in school buses was also issued by RTO Jammu with the direction to implement the same in letter and spirit. This surprise inspection was also conducted to check whether the school authorities have implemented the circular instructions or not. Similar drives have also been conducted by Assistant Regional Transport Officers in various districts of Jammu Division to ensure the safety of school children in every nook and corner of the province. Transport department has again appealed to all school authorities to ensure strict implementation of all safety parameters issued by the department to promote safety of school children. Any deviation or non-serious approach on part of school authorities will be dealt seriously which may lead to seizure of school buses also.
