Jabalpur’s school transport under scrutiny:Unfit vehicles still in use despite ban; questions over enforcement of collector’s order

In Jabalpur, concerns over student safety persist despite a clear administrative order banning the use of LPG and unfit vehicles for school transport from April 1. The directive, issued by Collector Raghavendra Singh, aimed to ensure that only valid, fitness-certified vehicles are used to ferry children. Schools were instructed to comply strictly and arrange safe transportation systems. Unsafe vehicles still in use However, ground reality tells a different story. Several schools across the city continue to use old and poorly maintained vehicles. Many of these vehicles, reportedly over 15 years old and in dilapidated condition, have been seen operating outside prominent schools. Students are still being transported in these unsafe vehicles, raising serious concerns among parents and citizens. The continued use of such transport directly undermines the intent of the administration’s order. Questions over enforcement Despite the ban, a lack of strict enforcement has allowed these vehicles to operate freely on city roads. The situation highlights gaps in monitoring and accountability, putting children’s safety at risk. Officials directed to act The Collector had instructed the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to conduct thorough checks and take action against LPG-run and unfit vehicles. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) were tasked with ensuring compliance in their respective jurisdictions. The police were also directed to carry out surprise inspections during school hours, while the District Education Officer (DEO) was asked to notify all schools and ensure timely compliance. Orders remain on paper Despite these directions, implementation appears weak on the ground. The continued violation of safety norms suggests that administrative orders are not being enforced effectively. With children’s safety at stake, the situation calls for urgent and strict action to ensure that rules are followed not just on paper, but in practice.