School bus-taxi drivers will not be able to overtake in Himachal

Employment News-School buses and taxis have been banned from overtaking other vehicles in Himachal Pradesh. For the safety of the students, the Directorate of Higher Education has issued instructions to all private and government school principals. Instructions have been given to keep the doors of the buses closed while moving and to stop the vehicles only at designated places. Bus driver must have minimum five years experience in driving a heavy vehicle. Buses should have fire extinguishers. Overloading in buses and taxis has also been banned. Bus drivers and school managers who do not follow the rules have also been warned against action.

Joint Director Higher Education has issued a letter to the district deputy directors and principals of private and government schools on Wednesday. It has been clarified in the letter that if any school bus or taxi driver is found overtaking any other vehicle during the presence of the children, then strict action will be taken against them. Legal action will also be taken from cancellation of driving license. School buses and taxis will also not have to run at high speed. Doors should remain closed while school buses are moving. It has also been made mandatory to have school duty written on the front and back in buses and taxis.

The Directorate of Education has instructed the in-charge of the schools to make the students aware to maintain discipline while boarding and deboarding buses and taxis. During the PTA and SMC meetings, it has also been asked to create awareness about road safety. This system has been implemented in all the schools of the state from Thursday. Director of Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet Kumar Sharma has said that no compromise will be made with the safety of the students. Strict action will be taken if the rules are not followed.