Srinagar: A sudden government crackdown enforcing mandatory GPS and CCTV installation in school buses has thrown students, parents, and school managements across the Kashmir Valley into disarray, with dozens of school buses seized and children stranded for hours in the aftermath of the tragic Handwara road accident.
The directive, implemented without a grace period, has caused widespread disruption in school transport services. In some cases, children, including primary class students, reportedly reached home as late as 8:00 PM, sparking panic and outrage among families.
“My child studies in Class 2nd and reached home at 7 PM,” said Syed Barkiya, a distressed parent. “They were stuck for hours in vehicles. Such abrupt implementation without any logistical preparation is deeply unfair.”
While student safety remains a shared concern, both parents and school administrators have criticized the abrupt timeline. Schools say they are willing to comply, but shortages of certified vendors and limited availability of GPS equipment have made timely implementation virtually impossible.
“This feels more like a crackdown than a safety initiative,” said Muzaffar Ahmad, another parent. “Our small children, from LKG to Class 7th, were stuck for hours. Safety regulations should not come at the cost of student well-being.”
According to several school principals, only a few government-approved vendors are currently operational, and supply chain issues have made it difficult to equip the entire school transport fleet in such a short time.
PSAJK Calls for Policy Review and Deadline Extension
President of the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK), G.N. Var, has called the situation “deeply concerning” and appealed for a pragmatic policy shift.
“The way school buses were intercepted and halted is unacceptable. It has caused avoidable anxiety among parents and disrupted children’s routine,” said Var. “If the government is serious about enforcement, it must ensure the infrastructure is in place first. We request a reasonable extension of the implementation deadline and a phased compliance mechanism.”
He also highlighted the financial burden on low-fee schools. “Schools that charge modest fees cannot afford to make such large investments overnight. Had the government issued this order before the winter break, the schools would have had enough time to comply,” he said.
Calls for Collaboration and Clarity
Parents and school administrators are now urging the government to adopt a student-centric and practical approach, ensuring children’s safety without compromising their daily routine or mental well-being. They are calling for:
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An extended and realistic deadline
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Increased availability of certified GPS and CCTV vendors
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Collaborative implementation planning in consultation with school bodies
