Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 7: A meeting on school transport safety, POCSO awareness for students was held on Friday, June 7 at the City Police Commissioner's office conference hall, chaired by Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, IPS. The meeting was attended by principals and heads of major schools and colleges, members of the school children's safety committees, and school vehicle drivers.

During the meeting, the heads of schools and colleges were informed about the regulations outlined in the Karnataka Motor Vehicles (Conditions for Vehicles engaged in the transport of school children) Rules-2012. They were instructed to strictly adhere to all the rules and submit compliance reports.

The participants were urged to take appropriate measures to prevent traffic congestion during school start and end times. Schools and colleges were advised to ensure proper parking arrangements within their premises for vehicles dropping off and picking up students. Institutions without adequate parking facilities were instructed to make necessary arrangements promptly.

It was emphasized that students and their parents should adhere to traffic regulations, and awareness programs should be conducted periodically to educate them. The safety of children traveling in school vehicles was also discussed.

Specific instructions were given to avoid overloading school vehicles and not to use loud horns. Strict action would be taken against drivers violating these rules.

Additionally, schools were advised to periodically inform students about the POCSO Act. To ensure smooth traffic flow on major roads, schools were asked to consider adjusting their start and end times. The police also emphasized the importance of verifying the background of drivers and assistants of school vehicles, autos, taxis, and other hired vehicles through police stations.

Deputy commissioner of police (Crime and Traffic) B P Dinesh Kumar, assistant commissioner of police (traffic sub division) Najma Farooqi, and traffic police inspectors Krishnananda G Naik, Hulugappa D, and Deepak M K were present at the meeting.