New Regulations for School Transportation Safety

The Punjab government has issued a firm directive to private schools, mandating them to provide transportation plans for their students. This move is part of the government’s effort to enforce the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) orders to ensure student safety and address environmental concerns.

In response to the court’s instructions, the Punjab School Education Department (SED) has notified private schools to submit detailed action plans for transportation services by the end of the winter break. Schools that fail to comply with these orders risk suspension of their registrations

According to SED Secretary Khalid Nazir Wattoo, all private schools are required to present a written mechanism outlining how they will arrange transportation for at least 50% of their students. Schools must also furnish data regarding the number of enrolled students, the availability of buses, and details of students currently using school-provided transport services.

The Lahore High Court had earlier granted a one-month window for schools to renew their registrations while adhering to its bus facility policy. Justice Shahid Karim, while hearing public interest petitions on environmental concerns, instructed the education department to cancel the registration of any school failing to meet these transportation requirements.

Additionally, the court ordered that any plans deemed incomplete or insufficient would result in immediate suspension of a school’s registration. This directive emphasizes the necessity of providing safe and environmentally sustainable transport options for students.

Lahore’s District Education Authority (DEA) Chief Executive Officer Nazeer Hussain Chheena has also instructed private schools operating in the city to submit data on their recent bus purchases. Prominent institutions such as Lahore Grammar School, Beaconhouse, City School, Lacas, and others have been notified of these requirements. Non-compliance with these directives will lead to strict action, including the cancellation of registrations.

The SED and DEA are committed to ensuring the full implementation of the LHC’s orders. Authorities have made it clear that private schools must prioritize the safety and well-being of students by arranging adequate transportation services. Negligence or failure to follow these directives will not be tolerated.

News Courtesy:Pro Pakistani