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DTO releases vans as operators agree to follow norms
After impounding as many as 17 vans of Sacred Heart Convent School in Sarabha Nagar on July 17, district transport officer (DTO) Anil Kumar Garg on Monday released them on the condition that vehicles being used for over 15 years will not be used to ferry children.
After impounding as many as 17 vans of Sacred Heart Convent School in Sarabha Nagar on July 17, district transport officer (DTO) Anil Kumar Garg on Monday released them on the condition that vehicles being used for over 15 years will not be used to ferry children.
T hese school vans had been impounded for violating Supreme Court guidelines.
After the release of vans, operators also called off their strike and resumed their duties. However, they will be able to use vehicles only after fulfilling all norms.
It is learnt that out of total 17 school vans, seven are being used for more than 15 years, a gross violation of SC norms.
Meanwhile, parents as well as students faced inconvenience due to inadequate transportation facility at the school.
Talking to HT, DTO Anil Kumar Garg said, “The vans have been released on the condition that operators will not use defunct vehicles. However, new vehicles can be used after fulfilling the SC norms.”
He added that van owners had also submitted an affidavit, stating they would not run old vehicles on roads and all gui
delines would be followed. “They have been given one month to abide by all norms,” he said.
Sukhjinder Singh, president, Private School Van Operator Union, said, “We have been asked to fulfil all guidelines by the school authorities. They have also assured us of giving the permit after we complete the formalities.”
He added that copies of the SC guidelines had also been given to all van operators. However, school principal Sister Chantal was not available for comments.
