The bus accident in the Ajas area of Bandipora left three people- two students and a teacher injured as the school bus turned turtle on the road.
The move has put the spotlight on the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) for schools last year.
The SoPs were supposed to be mandatorily followed by the government as well as private schools, besides the coaching centres, while planning picnics and outings of the students.
Last year, the SoPs were issued in the wake of a tragic road accident of a Degree College bus ferrying students for a picnic from Sogam to Pahalgam.
As per the SoPs issued by the DSEK, it was stated that excursions and picnics were crucial in the NEP-2020 framework for promoting holistic student development, experiential learning, and a more engaging educational experience.
“These picnics offer a break from the traditional classroom setting, encouraging social interaction, team building, and real-world learning opportunities but at the same time we need to ensure the safety and well-being of the students, which needs to be our prime concern during these pace-setting exercises,” DSEK circular reads.
The schools were asked to obtain consent from parents at least 10 days before the scheduled trip, besides seeking permission from the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEOs) for high and higher secondary schools, while Primary and Middle Schools have to seek permission from the concerned Zonal Education Officer as well.
As per the SoPs, CEOs and ZEOs have to grant permission only to the schools subject to the conditions that if the schools hire licensed transport operators approved by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD).
The schools were asked to hire authorised and licensed transport operators approved by MVD, who should possess all the requisite certificates.
Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani, when contacted, said that the SoPs are in place in the current year and all the schools have to follow the guidelines in letter and spirit.
“We are waiting for the report on the road accident of school bus in Bandipora. Further action will be initiated only after the report is submitted,” DSEK told Greater Kashmir.
