Daijiworld Media Network -Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Apr 17: Despite nearly 17 complaints being filed, no action has been taken against the illegal transportation of school children in private vehicles, warned Sunil Kumar Bajal, honorary president of the Dakshina Kannada District School Children Vehicle Drivers’ Association. He stated that if authorities fail to act before the start of the next academic year, a strong protest will be inevitable.

Addressing a press conference at the city’s Press Club, Bajal said that private (white board) vehicle drivers and owners are violating rules by transporting school children, posing serious safety risks. He recalled a past accident in Thokkottu involving a private vehicle carrying students, where victims did not receive adequate compensation. Despite such incidents, illegal transportation of students continues across Mangaluru and other parts of the district, often in violation of traffic regulations.

He further pointed out the disparity between licensed tourist vehicle operators and private vehicle owners. Tourist vehicle owners bear heavy expenses, including taxes and insurance amounting to around 23,000, and are also required to install panic buttons at a cost of 14,000 as per government directives. In contrast, private vehicles engaged in transporting students neither install panic buttons nor pay proper insurance or taxes, yet continue operating on a rental basis illegally.

Bajal urged the concerned authorities to take strict action and resolve the issue at the earliest.

Association president Satish Poojary (Ashoknagar), general secretary Harish Poojary, founder president Mohan Kumar (Attavar), working president Kiran (Ladyhill), and organising secretary Lokesh (Surathkal) were also present at the press conference.