Kupwara administration bans students below 18-yrs from riding two-wheelers

Kupwara, July 15: The district administration Kupwara has imposed a ban on students below the age of 18-years from riding two-wheelers.

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

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

The directive aims to curb reckless driving by students and also ensure the safety and security of students.

The communication also mentions about 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 Kupwara have been asked to with sensitize all school heads.

"They are instructed not to allow any student under 18 to use bikes or scooters during school hours," the communication reads.

Moreover, the administration 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 administration 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.