Vehicle Allegedly Operated Without Mandatory Documents, Permit
Pulwama | Nov, 12: The Transport Department has sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the management and concerned authorities of Future Pack Secondary School, Shadimarg, Pulwama, after one of its buses overturned at Darbgam on Wednesday, injuring 11 students, official sources said.
In a formal communication (No. TC/JK/Estt./2026/2853-58) dated November 12, 2026, the Joint Transport Commissioner, J&K, urged the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pulwama to initiate legal proceedings against the institution for violating statutory safety norms. The school bus (No. JK01M-2712) was carrying 13 students when the accident occurred, reports said.
According to the communication, the school management failed to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Officials noted that the vehicle had neither been produced before the competent Transport Authority for mandatory fitness inspection nor possessed the requisite documents and valid permit required to ferry schoolchildren, thereby placing young lives at grave risk.
Following a telephonic discussion between the Transport Commissioner and SSP Pulwama, police have been requested to direct the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) to register an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), establish accountability, and submit an Action Taken Report, officials said.
The incident has reignited public concern over student transport safety. Commenting on the issue, noted broadcaster Mir Nazir said, “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.” He urged the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to enforce strict speed monitoring and vehicle checks to ensure child safety remains paramount, sources said.
