They take dangerous rides daily

They take dangerous rides daily

In a rat race, greedy transporters ignore all safety norms as they ferry children to schools. Many don't employ caretakers, saying that these children, packed like sardines, can take care of themselves, Arunima Rajan reports

Arunima Rajan



Tragedy can strike these schoolchildren any moment. Although they are packed like sardines, the auto driver steps on the gas. He has other school trips waiting. As the vehicle keeps swaying dangerously, some kids tighten their grip on the support bar while others hold on to each other to keep themselves from falling on the road.
This is the tell-tale picture the city roads present in the mornings whether the students travel in an auto, matador van, or any other vehicle. "I'm hesitant to send my child in these private vehicles which don't follow safety norms. They don't have a caretaker," Aromal P Rajagopal, a parent, says. Despite the Safe Road to School Scheme, many parents still rely on private transport services like vans and auto rickshaws to pick and drop their wards. These private vans often charge exorbitant rates ranging from Rs 450 to Rs900 per month. DNA asked the joint commissioner of transport about the disaster waiting to happen.
"We've informed the school authorities on the guidelines to be followed to ensure the safety of children. Private vehicles are not supposed to carry more than the seating capacity for each kind of vehicle. Overcrowding is a punishable offence," says Muniveera Gowda.
According to Section 200 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, the state government can issue a notification for these offences. The rule says overcrowding is an offence that is punishable. A fine of hundred rupees can be charged from such errant drivers. An autorickshaw cannot carry more than six children.
Most vans too transport children beyond their capacity. They have no support bars for children.
"The seating capacity of our van is 20 but it takes over 30," Vishakha George, a student of Sophia's School, says. "The van is so crowded we carry smaller kids on our laps," says Urvashi, a student.
"We don't need a caretaker. There are so many kids in the van. They don't need help from anyone else," says Rajesh M, a van owner, says.
Dinakar Wilson, principal of Baldwins Boys' High School, says: "We've nine buses. Still many parents rely on these overcrowded vehicles."