In the wake of a tragic road accident involving underage drivers, the Directorate of School Education in Kashmir has issued strict directives to all educational institutions in the region. The circular emphasizes the growing concern over incidents of minors driving vehicles, which pose significant risks to public safety and have already led to devastating consequences.
Strict Instructions for Schools and Coaching Centres
The circular mandates that all government and private schools, as well as coaching centres, take immediate measures to prevent students from driving motor vehicles to their institutions. The directive explicitly states:
“No student (minor) is allowed to attend the institution while driving any motor vehicle, including two-wheelers or four-wheelers.”
Failure to comply with this directive could result in severe consequences, including the cancellation of the institution’s registration.
Trigger Incident: The Srinagar Thar Crash
The new measures come in response to a fatal accident last week in Srinagar, where a high-speed Thar vehicle, reportedly driven by a minor, resulted in the death of two school-going teenagers. This incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement against underage driving.
Mandatory Enforcement at Entry Points
Heads of institutions and administrators of registered coaching centres have been instructed to:
- Deny Entry: Students arriving in motor vehicles of any type will not be permitted entry into the premises.
- Monitor Compliance: Schools and centres must remain vigilant to ensure that these rules are followed without exception.
The directive underlines that underage driving not only endangers the lives of students but also poses a threat to the general public.
Ensuring Public Safety Through Accountability
This decisive step by the Directorate aims to instill a sense of responsibility among parents, students, and school authorities. By holding institutions accountable, the administration hopes to curb underage driving and prevent further tragedies.
The message is clear: safety cannot be compromised, and adherence to the law is non-negotiable.