Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann committed to ensuring safe travel for every school-going child
1,842 school buses inspected across Punjab during April–May; 526 challaned and 3 impounded for violating safety norms
District authorities directed to strictly enforce the Safe School Vehicle Policy as schools reopen after summer vacation
Chandigarh, July 6:
Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of every school-going child, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is implementing the Safe School Vehicle Policy with utmost seriousness to ensure that children commute to and from school in a safe, secure and reliable manner.
Sharing details of the ongoing drive, the Cabinet Minister said that during the first two months (April and May) of the financial year 2026–27, 1,842 school buses were inspected across the state as part of a comprehensive campaign to safeguard the daily commute of thousands of students. During the inspections, 526 buses were challaned for violating prescribed safety norms, while three buses were impounded on the spot for serious violations and failure to comply with mandatory safety requirements.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that under the Safe School Vehicle Policy, district administrations have been carrying out regular inspections of school buses to ensure strict adherence to safety standards. With schools reopening in July after the summer vacation, all district authorities have been directed to further intensify the enforcement drive. The primary objective of the campaign is to ensure that every vehicle transporting school children is roadworthy and fully equipped with all mandatory safety measures.
The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any negligence that compromises the safety of children. She said that strict action against violators will continue, and district officials have been instructed to accelerate inspections and ensure complete compliance with the Safe School Vehicle Policy across the state.
Dr. Baljit Kaur also appealed to school managements, transport operators and parents to actively support the administration’s efforts in ensuring children’s safety. She urged them to ensure that only those vehicles which fully comply with the prescribed safety norms are used for transporting school children.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Every child has the right to travel safely to school and return home safely. The Punjab Government is fully committed to achieving this objective through the strict implementation of the Safe School Vehicle Policy,” the Minister added.
