As most schools reopen on June 1, all school buses in the Nilgiris district have been called for an inspection. In the first phase of inspection, conducted by the regional transport officials, on Wednesday, 70 of the 254 buses belonging to educational institutions across the district were brought to the Ooty Arts College grounds for inspection.
On Wednesday, 20 buses were rejected for "minor" reasons such as expiry of first aid medicines and poor condition of passenger seats.
According to D Venkataraman, regional transport officer, there are 254 buses in the Nilgiris under the vehicles of educational institutions category.
"Apart from regular inspection every three months, we conduct inspection of school vehicles after the annual holidays. As schools reopen on June 1, all vehicles plying students must be certified after a thorough inspection on or before May 31," said Venkataraman. Inspection of all buses would be completed before May 31, he said.
With regard to the rejected 20 vehicles during the inspection on Wednesday, he said, "The respective schools should set right the problems mentioned in the inspection report and bring the vehicles for re-inspection before May 31,"
The takes into account factors like door lock to emergency doors, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Flooring and seating of the vehicle besides speed controller will also be inspected.
"It is to be appreciated that the educational institutions in the Nilgiris give importance to their vehicles and maintain them as per the norms of the Motor Vehicle Act," said a social activist.
Nilgiris collector, P Sankar who reviewed the inspection conducted by the RTO officials said school bus drivers should show more responsibility while on the road.
On Wednesday, 20 buses were rejected for "minor" reasons such as expiry of first aid medicines and poor condition of passenger seats.
According to D Venkataraman, regional transport officer, there are 254 buses in the Nilgiris under the vehicles of educational institutions category.
"Apart from regular inspection every three months, we conduct inspection of school vehicles after the annual holidays. As schools reopen on June 1, all vehicles plying students must be certified after a thorough inspection on or before May 31," said Venkataraman. Inspection of all buses would be completed before May 31, he said.
With regard to the rejected 20 vehicles during the inspection on Wednesday, he said, "The respective schools should set right the problems mentioned in the inspection report and bring the vehicles for re-inspection before May 31,"
The takes into account factors like door lock to emergency doors, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Flooring and seating of the vehicle besides speed controller will also be inspected.
"It is to be appreciated that the educational institutions in the Nilgiris give importance to their vehicles and maintain them as per the norms of the Motor Vehicle Act," said a social activist.
Nilgiris collector, P Sankar who reviewed the inspection conducted by the RTO officials said school bus drivers should show more responsibility while on the road.