Kashmir Valley is witnessing an increase in the number of road mishaps. The recent road accident in Handwara, claiming the lives of two college students and injuring several others, has reignited a deep concern over road safety in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, a high-level meeting was held at the Civil Secretariat under the chairmanship of Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Tuesday. The meeting addressed key aspects of student transport safety and reviewed the traffic regulations currently in place, with an urgent focus on preventing such tragedies in the future. During the meeting, the Minister examined the validity of driving licences, fitness certificates of school and college buses, and documentation standards. She stressed the necessity of installing CCTVs and fire safety tools in all vehicles used for student transport, including those operated by private institutions. Directions were passed that no school bus, public or private, should operate without adequate safety and surveillance mechanisms. Acknowledging the increasing number of road mishaps, particularly involving young students, Sakeena Itoo called for rigorous enforcement of existing laws. She instructed the transport and police departments to step up their efforts against over-speeding, drunken driving, and violation of driving licence norms. Special attention was drawn to stunt biking and reckless driving among teenagers, with a call to make their parents accountable for their children’s behaviour on the roads. One of the key decisions included the directive of strict enforcement of the ‘no helmet, no fuel’ rule, for which joint checking squads would be deployed. The Minister also insisted on frequent inspections of school and college buses to ensure they meet all safety requirements. To further strengthen student safety, the Minister ordered an in-depth departmental inquiry into the Handwara accident and directed the Director Colleges to re-evaluate the driving capabilities of all college bus drivers through fresh testing. This step points to the importance of qualified personnel in ensuring the safety of young commuters. Sakeena Itoo also reviewed the conduct of school and college picnics, announcing a complete ban on such activities during weekends and holidays. A system was proposed where schools must seek prior permission from relevant educational officers depending on their level, while colleges will require clearance from the Director Colleges. This decision aims to better manage and monitor student movement outside regular academic settings, especially when large crowds are expected at popular picnic destinations. The Minister urged departments such as education, transport, police, and health to coordinate more effectively. Regular road safety drills and awareness campaigns were suggested as practical steps to create a more informed and cautious student community. While the measures discussed in the meeting are timely and necessary, their success depends entirely on consistent and sincere implementation. It is crucial that these directions do not remain confined to official records or become symbolic responses to tragedies. Regular monitoring, accountability at every level, and visible action on the ground are essential to ensure that the safety protocols translate into real protection for the public.
Safety Imperative
