Schools, coaching centres told to bar entry of students arriving in vehicles: DSEK

Srinagar, Nov 19: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir Tuesday termed the driving of minors as a grave concern and directed the schools and coaching institutions to restrict the entry for students who drive themselves to the institutions.

"All schools (Govt/Pvt. Recognized) and coaching centers operating in the Kashmir Division are hereby placed under strict instructions to keep a close vigil to ensure that no student (minor) is allowed to attend the institution while driving any motor vehicle, including, two-wheelers or four-wheelers," read an official handout from DSEK.

It further directed the heads of institutions to strictly enforce the orders by disallowing the entry to any student arriving at schools or coaching centres by driving their vehicles or riding two wheelers.

"Parents and guardians must be informed about this directive and their responsibility to ensure compliance," the handout read.

The DSEK also directed the educational institutes to conduct awareness campaigns.

"Activate all Road Safety and School Safety clubs in schools to raise awareness through IEC activities in schools," the handout said.

DSEK also asked schools to organise awareness programs in collaboration with the Traffic Police in order to educate students and parents about the dangers of underage driving and the legal consequences as per the Motor Vehicles Act.

Schools, the DSEK said, should conduct Parent-Teacher Meet to highlight the risks of public safety posed by minors operating motor vehicles.

"Issue advisories to parents and guardians, emphasizing their legal accountability for allowing minors to drive and the serious consequences of non-compliance," the handout read.

Any dereliction by the heads of institutions in this regard would invite appropriate legal action, the handout said.

Furthermore, Institutions found violating this directive will face withdrawal of recognition or cancellation of registration as per the applicable regulations and stringent action will be initiated against the Heads of Institutions and staff, the handout added.