Mangaluru: Allegations of continued illegal transportation of schoolchildren in private vehicles have triggered strong criticism from members of the Dakshina Kannada District School Children Vehicle Drivers’ Association. Despite nearly 17 complaints being filed with authorities, no concrete action has been taken so far, prompting the association to warn of a protest ahead of the upcoming academic year.
Addressing a press conference at the city’s Press Club, honorary president Sunil Kumar Bajal expressed concern over the unchecked operation of private (white board) vehicles ferrying schoolchildren. He said such practices violate transport regulations and pose serious safety risks to students across Mangaluru and other parts of Dakshina Kannada district.
Safety concerns highlighted amid past incidents
Bajal recalled a previous accident in Thokkottu involving a private vehicle transporting schoolchildren, where victims reportedly did not receive adequate compensation. He pointed out that despite such incidents, unauthorised transportation continues unabated, raising questions about enforcement and accountability.
According to the association, many private vehicle owners are operating on a rental basis without adhering to mandatory safety norms prescribed for school transport vehicles. This includes lack of proper permits, absence of safety features, and non-compliance with traffic regulations designed to safeguard children.
Disparity in compliance and costs
The association also highlighted the financial and regulatory disparity between licensed tourist vehicle operators and private vehicle owners engaged in illegal transport activities. Bajal noted that authorised operators incur significant expenses, including taxes and insurance costs of approximately Rs 23,000 annually.
Additionally, as per government directives, licensed vehicles are required to install panic buttons, costing around Rs 14,000, to enhance student safety. These measures are part of broader regulations aimed at ensuring secure transportation for schoolchildren.
In contrast, private vehicles allegedly transporting students do not comply with these requirements. They neither install panic buttons nor pay the necessary taxes and insurance, yet continue to operate without facing enforcement action. This, the association argues, creates an uneven playing field and undermines both safety and lawful business operations.
Demand for immediate action
Bajal urged the concerned authorities to take strict and immediate action against violators. He stressed that failure to address the issue before the reopening of schools for the next academic year would leave the association with no choice but to stage a strong protest.
The association believes that timely intervention is critical not only to ensure fair enforcement of rules but also to protect the lives of schoolchildren who depend on daily transport services.
Association members present
Several key members of the association were present during the press conference, including president Satish Poojary (Ashoknagar), general secretary Harish Poojary, founder president Mohan Kumar (Attavar), working president Kiran (Ladyhill), and organising secretary Lokesh (Surathkal). They echoed similar concerns and supported the call for stricter enforcement.
Conclusion
The issue of illegal transportation of schoolchildren in private vehicles highlights a broader challenge of regulatory enforcement and road safety in the region. With the new academic year approaching, stakeholders emphasise the urgency of addressing these violations to prevent potential accidents and ensure compliance with safety norms.
If authorities fail to act decisively, the situation could escalate into public protests, further intensifying scrutiny on enforcement agencies. Ensuring safe and regulated transport for schoolchildren remains a critical priority that demands immediate attention.