Bandipora: A school bus accident in the Ajas area of Bandipora left three people injured, including two students and a teacher, after the vehicle overturned on the road.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over road safety standards and enforcement of transport regulations in school travel arrangements.
The accident has also brought renewed focus on the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) issued last year by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), which were meant to ensure strict safety compliance during school picnics and educational outings.
These SoPs were introduced following a tragic accident involving a Degree College bus carrying students from Sogam to Pahalgam. The guidelines were framed to prevent such incidents and strengthen safety protocols for student travel.
As per the directives, both government and private schools, along with coaching centres, are required to strictly follow safety norms while organising excursions. The guidelines highlight that educational trips are an important part of the NEP-2020 framework, promoting experiential learning, teamwork, and holistic student development, but must never compromise student safety.
The circular also mandates that schools obtain written parental consent at least 10 days prior to any trip and seek prior approval from the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEO) for higher secondary and high schools, while primary and middle schools must obtain permission from the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO).
Additionally, schools are required to hire only licensed and authorised transport operators approved by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), ensuring all safety and legal certificates are in place.
Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani, stated that the safety guidelines remain fully in force and all institutions are expected to comply strictly with them.
“We are waiting for the report on the Bandipora school bus accident. Further action will be taken after the report is submitted,” he said. (Agency)
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