Rajkot Game Zone Fire Aftermath: Parents to submit declaration if students don’t use school transport

The move comes amid a statewide safety drive undertaken in schools, offices and shops, among others, in the aftermath of the TRP Game Zone fire tragedy in Rajkot. The decision to issue the undertaking to the parents was taken in a meeting held by the District Education Department of Surat, RTO and traffic department with the principals of different schools. Over 1,200 principals of various schools had participated in the meeting.

“The process is for the safety of the students and to create awareness among the parents,” said a school principal, on the condition of anonymity.

The undertaking and declaration also states that parents are solely responsible for any mishaps in the vehicles during the transportation of students to and fro from home to school.

However, parents think schools should share the responsibility. “It is not only the parent’s responsibility. The school authority and drivers are also equally responsible. Why is there no declaration form taken from them? The school authorities should jointly organise meetings with drivers, parents and school principals,” said a parent.

Surat District Education officer, Bhagirathsinh Parmar, did not respond to calls seeking a comment. Schools have sent the undertaking after the state transport department issued a circular to different Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state to ensure the safety of students commuting to schools.

The undertaking has also listed down safety guidelines for children travelling in private vehicles. The city traffic branch, the education department and RTO have jointly urged all concerned parties to strictly adhere to the Supreme Court-stipulated guidelines such as regular fitness tests of vehicles.

The vehicles should be registered with the transport department and have speed-controllers, GPRS devices, fire extinguishers, first-aid boxes and CCTV cameras installed.

The guidelines also stipulate that the drivers must be properly trained, while CNG vehicles should have tanks.

According to the RTO guidelines, autorickshaws and vans can seat a maximum of six students and 12 students below 12 years, respectively. For those above 12 years, the limit will be a maximum of three students and six in autorickshaws and vans.

The undertaking also includes photographs of students, parents and the name of the driver of the private vehicle.

In addition, it also asks for the registration number of the vehicle and mobile number of the driver.

The parents should ensure that the driver holds the requisite permit of the RTO.