Islamabad, Jan 9: In a decisive move to enhance student safety and address environmental concerns, the Punjab government has mandated that all private schools provide dedicated bus services for their students. This directive, issued by the School Education Department, requires major private school chains to acquire buses within a 30-day period, with a compliance deadline set for January 13, 2025.
Although This initiative aligns with the Lahore High Court’s recent directives aimed at mitigating smog and reducing traffic congestion. Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the urgency of implementing these measures, stating, “The issue of school buses is very serious,” and underscored the necessity for prompt action to ensure environmental protection.
Under the new policy, private schools are required to:
- Acquire Buses: Ensure the provision of buses for student transportation by the specified deadline.
- Registration Compliance: Understand that school registration will be contingent upon the availability of bus services.
However, The government has indicated that non-compliance will result in strict actions, including the suspension of school registrations. Secretary of School Education, Khalid Nazir Wattoo, stated that the department will not tolerate any negligence in this regard and urged private school owners to adhere to the court orders without fail.
While the policy aims to alleviate the transportation burden on parents and contribute to environmental conservation, some private school associations have expressed concerns regarding the financial implications and logistical challenges of implementing the directive within the stipulated timeframe.
However, The Punjab government’s commitment to enforcing this policy reflects a broader strategy to promote sustainable urban mobility and ensure the safety and well-being of students across the province. As the January 13 deadline approaches, all eyes are on private educational institutions to observe how they adapt to these regulatory changes
