Kerala Kaumudi Impact: MVD takes action: Principal will be held responsible in case of accident during excursion 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Transport Commissioner has reminded the heads of educational institutions that school and college excursions must comply with the norms prescribed by the government. The warning comes in light of the fact that tourist trips are once again being conducted in violation of the safety norms prescribed to prevent the lives of children from being endangered. The warning states that if a bus is involved in an accident, it will be considered the direct responsibility of the school or college principal.

Kerala Kaumudi had reported on October 29 that tours are being conducted in defiance of instructions such as avoiding night travel and not having illegal sound and light systems. Based on this, Transport Commissioner H Nagaraju issued a message to the heads of educational institutions after talking to the department officials.

The message says that it has been noticed that the buses do not have proper emergency exits or fire safety systems. It has been found that several buses have been illegally fitted with speakers and lights. This can cause fires and distract other vehicle drivers.
The school/college authorities should inform the MVD at least a week before the tour. The officials will inspect the bus and explain the conditions to be followed by the students and the driver.