RAMBAN, MAY 11: Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, the Enforcement Squad of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) Ramban today conducted a safety audit and inspection of school transport vehicles in various schools of Banihal to ensure the highest standards of student safety.
The drive was carried out in compliance with the guidelines issued by the Transport Department, Jammu & Kashmir under the directions of the Secretary Transport and Transport Commissioner.
The enforcement team, under the supervision of ARTO Varun Bhasin, physically examined 14 school vehicles to verify the installation and functionality of mandatory safety equipment, including CCTV cameras, Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD), Speed Limiting Devices (SLD), and emergency panic buttons, as mandated under the Supreme Court Committee guidelines.
The enforcement team also conducted a detailed scrutiny of vehicle documents and drivers’ licences. The audit revealed that the majority of the vehicles were operating in compliance with the prescribed provisions of the Motor Vehicles Rules, with valid documentation and required safety measures in place.
However, notices were served to vehicles found with deficiencies, granting two day time for rectifying the shortcomings. The owners were strictly directed not to operate such vehicles until full compliance is ensured.
The officials also conducted a road safety awareness session for drivers and conductors, emphasizing safe driving practices, adherence to traffic rules and their responsibility towards ensuring the safety of schoolchildren.
The drivers and officials took a Road Safety Pledge. Awareness was also imparted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, sensitizing transport staff about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of maintaining a drug-free transport environment.