1st March, 2017
(https://rainbowinternationalschool.in/)

School buses will have to be now equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV), Global Positioning System (GPS), and speed governors and arrangements, as dictated in the revised guidelines under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to better the security and safety of children. According to the provisions the bus windows must be fitted with mesh wires on horizontal grills.

As per the human development minister, Prakash Javadekar, these guidelines were formulated given the recent school bus accident that occurred in Uttar Pradesh

Other pointers in the CBSE circular are as follows:

• Maximum speed limit must not exceed 40 km/hr
• CCTV and GPS must be in working condition when the buses are active
• A well trained transport manager and a lady attendant should be hired
• The busses must also get sirens and alarm bells installed
• A mobile phone must be given by the school for use in the bus in case of emergencies
• One parent, if possible could be included to oversee the driver’s and other staffs conduct

The revisions in guidelines have to be implemented at relevant educational institutions as soon as possible. Already the CBSE schools in Thane, North and West of India are gearing up to incorporate these services. Students will be frequently asked to provide their feedback on the newly attained transport facility.

Facilities in the Buses & Interior Requirements
• Water, first aid box, space under seats for keeping school bags
• No glasses or window panes with films, no curtains as well
• Bus doors must be fitted with appropriate locks
• Emergency exit doors have to be installed
• Bus seats have to be manufactured with non-combustible materials
• Two fire extinguishers (one at exit door and second in driver’s cabin) of ABC type 5 kg capacity

Exterior Details for the Buses
• The CBSE school buses must be painted in yellow. The school name must be visible on front and back of the bus for clear identification.
• In case the bus is not owned by the school, it should have ‘on school duty’ prominently written over it.
• Details of the driver including his/her address, name, badge number, license number, and the owner of the bus or that of the school’s telephone number has to be displayed along as well.
• These have to be printed outside and inside of the bus in contrasted colour, so that passengers can view it when necessary and authorities can be duly informed.

Precautions to be Taken by Schools and Parents
Any negligence in following the regulations will account the head and management of the school as responsible, leading to their disaffiliation from CBSE all together. Experts think that these norms could soon even be implemented for CBSE school ambulance services across the nation.

The circular also urged the parents to share the responsibility and be attentive about their children’s safety during school journeys. They are advised to avoid transport services in form of school buses that have no valid permit or licence to carry school children.

Parents must also make note of violations committed (if any) by the duty staff and driver of the school bus, and report it immediately to the respective authorities, educational institutes, or state authorities.

Contact:
Rainbow International School Thane (India)