Anil Garg, secretary of the School Bus Owners’ Association, spoke to DNA about Monday’s tragedy at Jogeshwari and the pathetic condition of school transport vehicles
Anil Garg, secretary of the School Bus Owners’ Association, spoke to DNA about Monday’s tragedy at Jogeshwari and the pathetic condition of school transport vehicles.
What is your reaction on today’s accident?
It is very sad. Such small vehicles should not be allowed to transport schoolchildren.
Several incidents involving LPG vehicles have happened in the past. Parents should be aware that the use of such vehicles for transporting children is not only illegal but also dangerous. These vehicles don’t have permits to transport schoolchildren.
How many private vehicles are used to ferry schoolchildren?
Approximately 8,000 private vehicles ferry schoolchildren in Mumbai. Of these, 1,100 run on LPG. These vehicles are moving time-bombs. Despite making several complaints, the RTO has failed to stop this menace.
The traffic department is to be blamed since they have the responsibility of preventing this menace.
But they don’t take any action. Many autorickshaws and old vans are used illegally to ferry schoolchildren. They are doing this business illegally, but the traffic department rarely takes any action.
How risky are private vehicles when it comes to ferrying children?
Such private vehicles are not allowed inside the school premises. They often wait for children outside the school. Waiting for the vehicle on the roadside is always risky for the children.
If it is so risky, why do parents prefer private vehicles?
School buses travel to different locations to pick up children. On the other hand, private vehicles have limited stops.
How many children travel by school buses?
Seventy per cent of children prefer school buses while the rest go for private vehicles. Private vehicles often don’t have insurance cover and don’t follow other safety norms. In a private vehicle, the driver manages everything.What’s more, as many as 15 children are forced to sit in one car. On the other hand, school buses have insurance cover.
There are two persons on a bus. Some operators even appoint lady attendants. As far as today’s tragedy is concerned, parents will face difficulties while making insurance claim since such vehicles do this business illegally.
What can the administration do to avoid such accidents?
They should follow the rules. If private vehicles are not allowed to ferry schoolchildren, the government should ensure that this rule is followed.
s_vijay@dnaindia.net
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