All school buses should be fitted with speed governors that limit their speed to 40 km/hr, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has written to all affiliated schools.
The letter says that global positioning systems (GPS) and CCTV arrangements must be compulsorily installed on all buses.
Woman guards needed
Apart from the driver, who must have at least five years of experience, and conductor, all buses must have a woman guard as well, it added.
Further, schools have been asked to ensure that these buses have first-aid kits and provision for drinking water. No school bus must use curtains or films, the CBSE has said.
The letter also said that violation of these guidelines could lead to action, including disaffiliation of the school.
No room for lapses
The letter went on to say that the management and head of the CBSE-affiliated schools would be held responsible in case of any lapse.
“The recent unfortunate incidents reported about callous approach by certain schools with respect to the safety of children during transit to and fro to the school have agitated deep concern,” the letter said.
“These guidelines should be scrupulously followed and complied with by all affiliated schools as an integral part of affliation by-laws,” it added.
