Punjab Government strictly enforces Safe School Vehicle Policy — Children’s safety comes first: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Government strictly enforces Safe School Vehicle Policy — Children’s safety comes first: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Stringent monitoring of school buses across the state

Fog-Season Drive: 1,486 Buses Checked, 561 Challans

Chandigarh, October 4:

Ensuring safe and secure travel for school-going children, the Punjab Government has intensified the enforcement of the Safe School Vehicle Policy across the state. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that strict monitoring and enforcement measures are being carried out on priority.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that from 2022 till July 2025, a total of 13,819 school buses were checked across Punjab, out of which 4,351 buses were issued challans and 87 were impounded.

She further said that keeping in view the winter fog conditions, a special drive was launched in August during which 1,486 school buses were checked and 561 challans were issued. Notably, under this special campaign, inspections were carried out in 187 schools across Punjab.

Explaining the provisions of the policy, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that all school buses must be painted yellow, equipped with a functional emergency exit door, have all seats facing forward, tamper-proof speed governors, and hazard lights that automatically switch on when doors open. She added that buses must also have updated RCs, insurance, fitness certificates, and permits, while drivers and conductors must possess valid licenses, medical fitness reports, and at least five years of driving experience.

She further informed that under this policy, a joint committee comprising the Social Security Department, Education Department, Transport Department, and Traffic Police has been constituted to regularly check and monitor school vehicles, giving top priority to the safety of children.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to the safety of school children. “Every effort is being made to ensure that children’s travel to school remains safe, convenient, and risk-free,” she stated.

Citizens can report any safety concerns related to school vehicles to the District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee, or through the Child Helpline 1098. Parents have also been urged to ensure that their children board only those school vehicles which comply with the safety norms under the Safe School Vehicle Policy.

Reiterating the Government’s firm resolve, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “No negligence regarding children’s safety will be tolerated. This initiative of the Punjab Government is a decisive step towards safeguarding children’s lives and ensuring every school journey is safe.”