Comply with STRAPS rules, all city schools directed

Chandigarh: The UT education department has instructed all schools to adhere to the Safe Transportation Policy for Students (STRAPS) guidelines for child safety. This directive was issued during a meeting held under the chairpersonship of education secretary on Monday, wherein recommendations such as accommodating genuine latecomers and organising awareness programmes for parents were made.As per the information, all principals of govt-aided/unaided private recognised schools, cluster heads of govt schools, traffic DSP, and a nominee from the state transport authority (STA) were present in the meeting. The director of school education highlighted concerns regarding strict arrival times at some schools, which could potentially pressure drivers to compromise safety and drive rashly. Schools were urged to reconsider their internal regulations and accommodate genuine latecomers. He said though UT administration provides admissions based on vicinity, some parents hire auto-rickshaws/small vans/maxi-cabs/e-rikshaws for their children. He directed that parent-teacher meetings should be organised to sensitise the parents.Private schools were also urged to inform parents about safety requirements for children using private transportation services and take necessary measures to prevent overloading. DSP (traffic) stressed the role of schools in ensuring safe transportation for students and highlighted the responsibility of all stakeholders.Among the recommendations put forth were revising the seating capacity in buses to one instead of 1.5, and buses’ compliance with 2015 norms.Chandigarh: The UT education department has instructed all schools to adhere to the Safe Transportation Policy for Students (STRAPS) guidelines for child safety. This directive was issued during a meeting held under the chairpersonship of education secretary on Monday, wherein recommendations such as accommodating genuine latecomers and organising awareness programmes for parents were made.As per the information, all principals of govt-aided/unaided private recognised schools, cluster heads of govt schools, traffic DSP, and a nominee from the state transport authority (STA) were present in the meeting. The director of school education highlighted concerns regarding strict arrival times at some schools, which could potentially pressure drivers to compromise safety and drive rashly. Schools were urged to reconsider their internal regulations and accommodate genuine latecomers. He said though UT administration provides admissions based on vicinity, some parents hire auto-rickshaws/small vans/maxi-cabs/e-rikshaws for their children. He directed that parent-teacher meetings should be organised to sensitise the parents.Private schools were also urged to inform parents about safety requirements for children using private transportation services and take necessary measures to prevent overloading. DSP (traffic) stressed the role of schools in ensuring safe transportation for students and highlighted the responsibility of all stakeholders.Among the recommendations put forth were revising the seating capacity in buses to one instead of 1.5, and buses’ compliance with 2015 norms.
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