Garhwa: A surprise inspection at R.K. Public School, Hoor, on Thursday, September 10, has exposed serious irregularities in the school’s transportation arrangements, regulatory compliance and student safety measures. The inspection was carried out by District Education Officer Jagarnath Lohra and Motor Vehicle Inspector Manish Kumar Gupta on the directions of Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Pashupati Nath Mishra.
The inspection team reached the school after classes had concluded for the day, when students were seen leaving the school premises. According to information provided by the principal, 231 students are currently enrolled in Classes I to VIII. The school has 18 teachers and five non-teaching employees, all of whom were reportedly present at the time of the inspection.
Questions were also raised over the recognition status of the institution and its U-DISE code. When the inspection team sought clarification, the principal stated that an application for recognition and allotment of a U-DISE code had been submitted and was currently under process. However, she reportedly informed the officials that the school was presently being operated using the U-DISE code of R.K. Public School, Sonpurwa. Several documents relating to the operation and regulatory status of the school could not be produced before the inspection team, prompting the authorities to seek detailed documentary evidence from the management.
The most serious findings emerged during the inspection of the school buses used for transporting children. Vehicle number JH14A-3220, officially a 15-seater, was found carrying 32 children. Apart from the severe overcrowding, the inspection team found that the vehicle’s pollution certificate, insurance, fitness certificate and permit were not valid. The situation became even more concerning when the driver was reportedly found consuming an intoxicating substance during the inspection. Officials considered the presence of a driver allegedly consuming such a substance while responsible for transporting schoolchildren to be a serious threat to the safety of the children.
Another school bus, bearing registration number JH14P-3506, was found to have a seating capacity of 22 but was carrying 41 children. The inspection team also found that the vehicle’s permit was not valid. The authorities took serious note of the transportation of children far beyond the prescribed seating capacity and the operation of vehicles without the necessary valid documents.
The inspection further revealed shortcomings in basic safety arrangements. The principal informed the officials that the school operator had arranged a total of five buses for transporting students, but only two were available on the day of inspection, while the remaining vehicles were reportedly out of service due to mechanical problems. The two buses inspected by the officials were also found to be without first-aid boxes and GPS tracking systems, raising further questions about the preparedness of the school to deal with emergencies and monitor the movement of school vehicles.
The inspection team also sought information about the use of tempos for transporting students. The principal reportedly stated that the school does not provide tempo services and that parents arrange such transportation independently. The school authorities were consequently directed to ensure that parents are clearly informed about the safety risks and responsibilities associated with privately arranged transportation, particularly in the event of an accident.
With several essential records unavailable during the inspection, the District Education Officer has directed the school management to submit a detailed report, supported by documentary evidence, within two days of the issuance of the official communication. The authorities have sought clarification and records concerning the school’s recognition status, the application for recognition and U-DISE registration, building-related permissions, fire-safety arrangements, first-aid facilities, drinking-water quality, appointment procedures and qualifications of teaching and non-teaching staff, salary payments, institutions operating on the school premises and details of land allotted for the school.
The school management has also been directed to provide complete details of all buses being used for transporting students, including vehicle registration numbers, drivers’ licences, health examination records and updated statutory documents. The demand for these records is likely to bring the school’s overall compliance with educational, safety and transportation regulations under closer scrutiny.
The District Education Officer has reportedly made it clear that failure to submit the required report and supporting documents within the stipulated period could invite action against the school management under the applicable rules. The authorities have further indicated that a report concerning the possible closure of the institution may be forwarded to higher authorities if the school fails to comply with the directions or if serious violations are established.
The surprise inspection has raised significant questions about the safety arrangements in place for children travelling to and from the school. The administration has reiterated that the safety of students, quality education and secure transportation must remain the highest priorities and that school managements are required to comply strictly with prescribed safety standards and statutory regulations. The findings at R.K. Public School, Hoor are now expected to be examined further after the management submits the documents and explanations sought by the authorities.