Gonda: The Transport Department has intensified its inspection drive against school vehicles in Gonda, with three school buses of Shri Sai Education and Sports College, Colonelganj, seized after being found without valid fitness certificates, permits and insurance.
The action was carried out by a joint team constituted under the leadership of ARTO Administration R.C. Bhartiya as part of an ongoing campaign directed by the state government to ensure the safety of children travelling in school vehicles and verify their statutory documents.
During the inspection, three buses operated by Shri Sai Education and Sports College were found to be non-compliant with prescribed safety standards and mandatory documentation. The fitness certificates, permits and insurance of all three vehicles were found to have expired or failed to meet the required validity conditions.
Taking the safety of schoolchildren into consideration, the Transport Department seized all three buses in accordance with the rules. The action has sent a strong message to school managements and owners of school vehicles across the district.
ARTO Administration R.C. Bhartiya said negligence in vehicles used to transport schoolchildren would not be tolerated. He stressed that every school vehicle must have a valid and updated fitness certificate, permit, insurance and all other mandatory documents.
He said that apart from maintaining valid documentation, school vehicles must comply with prescribed safety standards and ensure safe transportation of children. The responsibility for ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of school buses rests with school managements and vehicle owners.
The ARTO administration has appealed to all school managements and vehicle owners to keep their vehicle-related documents updated and ensure that the fitness and other prescribed safety requirements are checked regularly.
Bhartiya said the inspection campaign would continue in accordance with government directions. If any school vehicle is found to be operating without valid fitness, permit, insurance or other mandatory documents, strict action will be taken against the vehicle concerned as per the applicable rules.
The Transport Department has urged school operators to take the ongoing inspection drive seriously and ensure that every vehicle being used for school transportation is safe, legally compliant and equipped with all valid and updated documents.
The department reiterated that the safety of schoolchildren remains a priority and that no compromise would be made on compliance with safety norms.
