Schoolchildren’s Safety at Risk in Maharajganj: Unregulated School Vehicles Operating Without Mandatory Safety Equipment

Nautanwa/Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh):

The safety of schoolchildren in Maharajganj district has become a serious concern as many school buses and vans are reportedly operating without the mandatory safety measures required under road safety regulations. Thousands of students are travelling to and from school every day in vehicles that lack basic safety equipment, putting their lives at risk.

Although the Traffic Police have been conducting awareness campaigns and inspections to promote road safety, many private school managements continue to ignore the prescribed norms. Several school vehicles are allegedly operating without proper fitness certificates, valid insurance, CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency exits, and other essential safety features.

According to road safety guidelines, every school vehicle must have a valid fitness certificate, insurance, a licensed driver, CCTV surveillance, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid box, an emergency exit, and other mandatory safety provisions. However, compliance remains poor in many parts of the district.

The situation is said to be particularly alarming in rural areas, including Ratanpur, Purainiya, Jagarnathpur, Adda Bazar, Bargadwa, Bhagawpur, and Pedari, where several school buses and vans are reportedly operating with little or no safety equipment. Overloading of students has also been observed in some vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.

Parents have expressed concern, saying they send their children to school expecting a safe journey, but the negligence of some school operators is putting young lives in danger.

The issue has raised serious questions about enforcement by the Transport Department and the district administration. Residents are demanding regular inspections and strict action against schools and vehicle operators found violating safety regulations, before a major accident occurs.