Visakhapatnam: With reopening of educational institutions just 10 days away, safety of school and college buses once again become a matter of major concern. Majority of the buses of various educational institutions in the city are yet to obtain fitness certificate (FC) from Regional Transport Authority (RTA). The management of schools and colleges are reluctant to get the FC.
Interestingly, only 412 of the total 1,570 school and college buses in Vizag region have approached the RTA so far for obtaining the mandatory FC to ply the buses carrying students. Sources said that the RTA officials have issued FC to only 270 buses till date and they rejected 63 buses for non-compliance with the 185 G of the AP Motor Vehicle Rules and 79 school buses have been found unfit so far.
The state government directed the RTA to take up special care to check the fitness of school buses after many accidents of the school buses occurred, causing the death and injuries to the students.
Deputy transport commissioner G. Krishnaiah said that 650 buses are yet to apply (online register) with the RTA to get their vehicles checked. Out of the 1,570 buses only 28 per cent buses have come for inspection this year, he added. A senior motor vehicle inspector said that issue of FC by RTA started around 15 days back but the response has been very poor. Even reputed corporate schools and colleges are flouting the norms putting students’ lives at risk.
Honorary secretary of Bala Vikas Foundation (BVF), an NGO working for welfare and development of women and children, Narava Prakasa Rao, said that most of the private schools and colleges in the region have been collecting huge amounts as fee from the parents. But, the managements are compromising on safety of students while the parents of the students are also silent over the major issue. RTA officials have to conduce the drive against the unfit buses round the year. Then only the managements will spend amount for safety of students, he added.
