Pulwama, Nov 12 (KNO): The Transport Department has sought registration of a FIR against the management and concerned authorities of Future Pack Secondary School, Shadimarg, Pulwama, following an accident involving its bus that overturned at Darbgam on Wednesday, leaving 11 students injured.
A communication addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pulwama, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Joint Transport Commissioner, J&K, has requested Police to register an FIR against the school management and initiate legal proceedings for allegedly operating the vehicle in violation of mandatory statutory and safety requirements.
The communication bearing No. TC/JK/Estt./2026/2853-58, dated November 12, 2026, reads the school bus (No. JK01M-2712) was carrying 13 students when it met with an accident at Darbgam. Eleven students sustained injuries in the incident.
The department has raised serious concerns over the alleged failure of the school management to comply with the prescribed provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The communication states that the vehicle had not been produced before the competent Transport Authority for the mandatory inspection and was allegedly operating without the requisite documents and a valid permit required for running a school bus.
Taking serious note of the alleged violations, the Joint Transport Commissioner observed that operating a school vehicle without fulfilling mandatory safety requirements can put the lives of schoolchildren at grave risk.
The communication further states that the matter was taken up following a telephonic discussion between the Transport Commissioner and the SSP Pulwama.
The SSP has been requested to direct the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) to register an FIR against the school management and other responsible authorities under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police have also been asked to investigate the circumstances surrounding the operation of the vehicle, establish accountability and initiate appropriate legal proceedings against those found responsible.
The department has also sought an Action Taken Report from the SSP Pulwama for further necessary action.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of school transportation and compliance with prescribed norms governing vehicles ferrying students. The alleged violations have also brought the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure proper documentation, vehicle fitness and adherence to safety regulations into focus.
"It has often been observed that school buses are driven at excessive speeds, despite carrying children. The message displayed at the back of these buses, “If I am driving fast, kindly ring,” seems to have become merely a formality rather than serving its actual purpose." said Mir Nazir a noted broadcaster.
In my personal opinion, school buses must be driven with extra caution and at controlled speeds, keeping the safety of children in mind, he said.
The administration, particularly the RTO and Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), should take serious note of this issue and ensure strict monitoring of school buses to prevent any untoward incidents and the safety of our children must always come first—(KNO)