Don’t allow students under-18 to enter premises: DESJ asks institutions

Jammu, Nov 21: Directorate of School Education, Jammu (DSEJ) has directed the Head of Institutions of all government, private schools and coaching centres not to allow any underage students, driving vehicles to reach educational institutions to enter premises.

“It has come to notice that some underage (under 18 years) students are driving vehicles while going to schools or coaching centres. Such an act has the potential of causing road accidents, endangering public safety and is also in violation of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act,” DSEJ noted in its circular instructions.

“Given this, it is impressed upon the Head of Institutions of all government, private schools and coaching centres to keep a close vigil to ensure that no underage student is allowed to attend the institution while driving any motor vehicle including 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler. Such students must not be permitted entry and their parents should be informed accordingly,” Director School Education Jammu directed.

The management of schools and coaching centres have also been directed to ensure proper sensitization of the students and parents about the dangers and risks involved in underage driving, information on age restrictions and the importance of traffic rules by organising awareness programmes in collaboration with Traffic Police.

Parents and guardians should be educated through Parent-Teacher meetings (PTMs) about the consequences of underage driving and their responsibilities, it was instructed.

Schools and coaching centres have also been directed to monitor parking areas and entry points to ensure compliance.

“Any instance of a minor driving a vehicle should be immediately reported to the concerned authorities. They should also regularly coordinate with Traffic Police to enforce strict measures. AII road safety and school safety clubs in schools will be activated to raise awareness in the schools,” it has been instructed while asking all schools and coaching centres to strictly ensure implementation of these instructions in letter and spirit.

“Any violation of the instructions issued shall invite legal action under the Motor Vehicle Act and other relevant Acts and withdrawal of recognition or registration of the institution. This circular must be widely disseminated among staff, students and parents for immediate action,” DSEJ cautioned.