The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Haryana): In the wake of a tragic school bus accident in Mahendragarh, Haryana, that resulted in the deaths of five students, State Education Minister Seema Trikha has announced stringent new regulations aimed at enhancing the safety of school transportation. The accident, which also injured 15 other students, has prompted a swift governmental response, including the suspension of an official and potential criminal charges against the bus driver and school authorities.
Minister Trikha revealed that all private schools in the state are now required to submit affidavits ensuring their transportation complies with existing transport rules and norms. Furthermore, schools will be held accountable if their bus drivers are found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of an accident. A show cause notice has already been issued to the school involved in the Mahendragarh incident.
In addition to school-level accountability, the incident has led to the immediate suspension of Pradeep Kumar, RTA Assistant Secretary, for failing to enforce vehicle documentation checks. The Additional Transport Commissioner (Road Safety) has ordered a detailed inquiry into the accident, demanding a report that identifies responsible officials and outlines the causes of the mishap within three days.
Local police have confirmed that the bus driver was suspected of being intoxicated, and further investigations are ongoing. These developments reflect a concerted effort by Haryana authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future by tightening oversight and enforcing strict compliance with safety standards among school transportation services.