New Delhi: "Children are prone to road accidents and they are unable to defend themselves without adult support," claimed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) during National Consultation on Effective Implementation of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 for Safe School Transport.
The commission has also found negligence by three-wheelers and other vehicles during transportation of children and soon they can come up with recommendations regarding the safe transportation of children.
According to NCPCR, considering the increasing incidents of road accident induced injuries among children, she also pointed out that the guardians and parents should shoulder the responsibility of such incidents to ensure the foolproof safety of school-going, children.
"Children are more vulnerable to abuse and harassment, therefore, need special protective measures," said Stuti Kacker, chairperson NCPCR.
The child rights body noticed that there has been an increase in accidents involving school buses and cabs. It has been observed that the accidents are caused due to the driver's ignorance and implementation of the rules and regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
Hence, the Commission organized a National Consultation with different stakeholders including Director MORT&H along with the Secretary, State School Education Department from all States and Union Territories (UTs), Secretary, State Road Transport from all States/UTs, ADGP, Traffic i.e. State Traffic In-charge from all States/UTs.
Priyank Kanoongo, Member (Education) NCPCR, stated that the commission is continuously working for the safety of approximately 19 crore children out of which more than 7 crore children are enrolled in private schools. He stated that the accountability of school authorities are still not fixed/specified thereby providing loopholes in security measures for children.
NCPCR aims to recommend strict regulations for efficient implementation and stringent laws as an outcome to this consultation. On the basis of these suggestions, the commission will recommend appropriate measures for child safety. The objectives of this consultation was effective implementation of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and to ensure that schools strictly follow the rules and regulations.