Ensure safe transportation of children in COVID times: School edu dept

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, February 25

With relaxation in COVID-19 curbs and laxity in coronavirus-apprporate behaviour, the state has witnessed resurgence in cases, particularly in schools.

Keeping in mind the same, the State School Education Department has asked the government and private schools in the state to ensure safe transportation of school children by implementing the Safe School Vahan Scheme (SSVS).

With the reopening of the schools after relaxation in curbs, cramming as many children as possible in school vans, students are at the risk of being exposed to the virus.

Sending a copy of the state transport department’s order regarding the SSVS, School Education (Secondary) Director has asked all schools to implement it and make parents also aware about the measures in the parent-teacher meetings as well.

As per the state transport department orders, the principal/head master/head mistress of the school shall be responsible for transportation of school children. They need to ensure that all schools buses should not more ferry more children than the registered seating capacity, and ensure medical check-up of van drivers as well.

They have to ensure that the attendants are provided in buses to ensure COVID-19 protocol. The schools have also been asked to ensure that the driver and attendants should not suffer from any contagious disease.

Last week, the School Education Department had observed that teachers and students in many schools were not adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines laid by the government.

Department officials say during inspection in various schools, teachers and students were seen without masks with little regard for social distancing. The department had also sent a letter to all District Education Officers (DEOs) regarding the gross negligence on part of the school authorities.