In the wake of the horrific bus accidents that left 11 people dead and several others injured, the state government on Wednesday banned school buses from plying during the night. Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said that both the accidents involving school buses had taken place at night.
“To prevent such mishaps and untoward incidents henceforth, we have decided to bar school buses from plying between 11pm and 6am, with children on board. The decision has been taken by the state government in the interest of safety of the children,” Patel said.
“Bus operators must stop plying during this time and instead make arrangements for accommodation for children,” he added.
Well-placed sources confirmed that the state government will soon issue guidelines to implement the same.
The move however, has invited mixed reviews in academic circles.
“Student picnics have become a tool for generating revenue for schools, who charge anywhere between Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 for a 2-3 day trip. While night travel is preferred to help save the academic working day of the kids, the government decision is in students’ interest. Restrictions are also needed on luxury buses getting overloaded especially during school picnics,” said an academician on condition of anonymity.
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