IT News
Imphal, Sept 23:
A team from Bishnupur district police has initiated a crackdown on school van operators for transporting students beyond the vehicle’s legal capacity. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has commended the efforts of the Bishnupur police and CRPF, stating that similar actions will be enforced in all districts across Manipur. Transporters have already been instructed to strictly adhere to passenger limits set for school vehicles.
In a Facebook post, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh warned that legal action would be taken against school transport services that fail to comply with the guidelines. He emphasized the importance of student safety and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring proper enforcement.
The Traffic Control Police Wing of Manipur has also issued a renewed advisory to schools and school vehicle associations, reminding them to follow safety regulations, especially regarding the maximum number of students allowed in school vehicles. This advisory was issued in response to growing concerns over overcrowding in school transport, which poses a significant risk to student safety.
As per the Manipur Gazette Extraordinary No. 385, dated September 22, 2015, the Transport Department has clearly defined that school vehicles must not carry more than 1.5 times their registered seating capacity. This regulation was implemented to prevent overloading, which not only violates the law but also increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly during sudden stops or collisions.
The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCORS) has also taken note of the issue, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement to mitigate the risks posed by overcrowded vehicles to children. According to the Manipur Gazette Extraordinary No. 189, dated September 7, 2019, the Traffic Control Police Wing is authorized to penalize violators under Section 194A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Drivers of school vehicles found transporting students beyond the legal limit will face penalties.
The Traffic Control Police Wing urged all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for ensuring the safety of students on the road, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with the regulations.
