Education Deptt in Kupwara asked to prevent students below 18 years from riding 2-wheelers

Baramulla, July 15: The district administration Kupwara on Monday imposed a ban on students below the age of 18 years from riding two-wheelers, particularly during school hours.

The decision has been taken in wake of the complaints received from different quarters about students indulging in rash driving and stunt biking.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara on Monday sent an official communication to the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kupwara with a request to sensitise students and heads of the institutions about the issue and not to allow students below the age of 18 years to ride two wheelers during school timings.

The move is aimed at to curb the reckless driving by students and also ensure their safety and security.

The communication also mentions complaints surfacing in media and social circles regarding the dangerous behavior of students riding motorbikes and scooters.

"Such activities have led to injuries, minor accidents, and even loss of lives," the official communication reads.

The administration has pointed out that many school boys, both from government and private institutions, are riding two-wheelers without any oversight from school authorities.

"This lack of control has contributed to the alarming trend of accidents and risky stunts," it reads.

The Additional Superintendent of Police Kupwara, Deputy Superintendent of Police Traffic Kupwara, and the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kupwara have been asked to sensitise all school heads about the issue.

"The school heads must not allow any student under 18 years of age to use bikes or scooters during school hours," the communication reads.

Moreover, the district administration Kupwara has also stated that students should not be permitted to ride without helmets and valid driving licenses issued by the competent authority.

The Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) have also been instructed to conduct surprise checks in and around schools to ensure compliance with this new regulation.

"The ZEOs should ensure that the disturbing trend is discouraged," the communication reads.

It reads that the district administration Kupwara is determined to prioritise the safety and security of all students besides maintaining discipline, morality, and decency in and around educational institutions of the district.