Jammu, Dec 18: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) executive member Raman Suri has lauded the recent directive issued by Vishesh Mahajan, Transport Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in school buses. He hailed this move as a significant step toward enhancing student safety and preventing tragic incidents involving school transport.
“Installing CCTV cameras in school buses will save many precious lives, especially the lives of our children. In one heartbreaking incident, a young girl lost her life under a school bus on her own school premises. Such tragedies can be avoided with stricter monitoring and safety measures,” he said in a statement issued here.
This directive aligns with guidelines previously laid down by the Supreme Court of India, which emphasised the installation of CCTVs in school buses, the BJP leader said, adding, “Unfortunately, these instructions have yet to be fully implemented in the region. Parents often express concerns about the safety standards of school buses and accidents caused by speeding or negligence are not uncommon.”
He said the installation of CCTV cameras will not only monitor the activities of drivers and co-drivers but also serve as a deterrent to overspeeding and irresponsible behaviour. “It will bring accountability to private buses and other vehicles hired by parents, which have so far operated without proper safety regulations,” he said.
Suri said further measures must be taken to ensure the safety of school children including equipping all school buses with first-aid kits, emergency exit doors, and GPS trackers. He called for phasing out the use of old and poorly maintained buses and conducting regular safety audits of school transport systems.
“Children are the future of our nation. Ensuring their safety is a collective responsibility. While the Transport Commissioner’s instructions are commendable, the traffic department must actively monitor their implementation. Schools, parents, and authorities must work together to create a safe environment for our students,” Suri added.
The BJP leader urged parents to remain vigilant and report safety violations to the authorities. “By working together, society can ensure that every child travels to and from school securely and confidently,” he said.
