Now, traffic mgmt a part of college curriculum

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Bharati Vidyapeeth has introduced a subject on road safety and traffic management. It has been included in its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) course.

The subject, which carries 100 marks, is largely designed keeping in mind practical sessions and project-based assignments so that it does not become monotonous and redundant.

“Many precious lives are lost due to accidents, of which most victims are youngsters. Taking a note of this, we have decided to start this subject. We have made it compulsory for BBA second year students at Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (IMED),” said Dr Sachin Vernekar, dean of Faculty of Management Studies.

Vernekar claimed that the Bharati Vidyapeeth is perhaps the first one to introduce such a subject at the graduation level.
“Currently, we have an in-house professor who conducts the classes. However, in order to give practical experience, the university also ropes in police inspectors from the traffic branch for lectures. We have also invited deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Vishwas Pandhare as a guest lecturer and enlighten our students,” he said.

Pandhare said they have written to University of Pune and other small universities in the city to take a cue from the Bharati Vidyapeeth and start similar subjects at the college level.
“Colleges are teaching students everything except
traffic safety and management which is need of the hour,” he said.

Salient Features of the Subject
Syllabus divided into six units containing effects of air pollution on ecological balance, management of traffic and traffic rules, Motor Vehicles Act, promotion of road safety in India, road safety and management of road accidents
Topic on qualities of good driver – good health, tolerance, responsibility, knowledge of rules and laws, confidence, politeness, familiarity with the vehicle and its maintenance and self discipline has been included
Under practical sessions, students are made to face mock interviews and driving tests
Models for smooth traffic systems for the city and making traffic awareness posters and banners

PUC drive on campus
As many as 60 students from the BBA second year class conducted a pollution under control (PUC) check-up drive on Monday. More than 150 vehicles, including four-wheelers were checked and a PUC certificate was issued to them on International Ozone Day.