The Lahore High Court has issued a significant ruling concerning school transport and registration. In a hearing addressing smog reduction measures, Justice Shahid Karim mandated a strict school bus policy as a prerequisite for new school registrations. This decision aims to improve student safety and reduce traffic congestion contributing to air pollution.
Key Directives from the Lahore High Court
The court’s directives focus on several key areas:
- Mandatory Pick-and-Drop Service: Schools must provide pick-and-drop transport services for students. New school registrations will be withheld until compliance is ensured.
- Implementation Report: A comprehensive report on the policy’s implementation is due by December 30.
- Enforcement of Existing Directives: The court expressed dissatisfaction with the Secretary of Schools for the lack of enforcement of a previous order requiring schools to provide buses for at least 50% of their students.
- Mandatory Fitness Certificates: School buses must possess fitness certificates. The transport authorities have been given 15 days to develop a detailed vehicle fitness policy.
- Regular Inspections: School transport vehicles will undergo inspections every three months.
- Mobile Inspection Units: The transport department is required to establish mobile units to inspect the fitness of school buses, both public and private. This initiative must begin by November 26.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Schools failing to adhere to the transport policy may face severe penalties, including the sealing of their premises.
- Prohibition of Liability Waiver Letters: Schools are prohibited from issuing letters to parents absolving themselves of responsibility for student transportation.
Focus on Vehicle Fitness and Safety
The court’s emphasis on vehicle fitness is a crucial aspect of the ruling. The establishment of mobile inspection units and the mandate for regular inspections aim to ensure the safety of students using school transport.
Timeline of Key Actions
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Development of Vehicle Fitness Policy | Within 15 days |
| Commencement of Mobile Inspection Units | November 26 |
| Submission of Implementation Report | December 30 |
Comparison of Previous and Current Directives
| Feature | Previous Directive | Current Directive |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Provision | Buses for at least 50% of students. | Mandatory pick-and-drop service for all new schools. |
| Enforcement | Lacked enforcement, leading to court dissatisfaction. | Strict enforcement with penalties, including sealing of premises, for non-compliance. |
| Focus | Primarily on bus provision. | Comprehensive policy including vehicle fitness, regular inspections, and mobile units. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the main purpose of this ruling?
- A: The ruling aims to improve student safety, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to smog reduction by ensuring safe and regulated school transport.
- Q: What are the consequences for schools that do not comply?
- A: Schools failing to adhere to the transport policy may face severe penalties, including the sealing of their premises.
- Q: When will the mobile inspection units begin operating?
- A: The mobile inspection units are required to begin operating by November 26.
- Q: Does this apply to all schools?
- A: The mandatory pick-and-drop service applies to new school registrations. However, existing schools are expected to comply with the broader transport policy, including vehicle fitness and inspections.