The Punjab government has recently implemented a significant change by revamping the transport policy of private schools, mandating them to provide buses for transport of at least 60% of their student population, in order to combat the ongoing smog crisis across the province.
The newly established mandate dictates that private schools must invest in their own fleet of school buses, signaling a departure from the previous norm where a considerable number of students relied on private vehicles for their daily commute.
This stringent measure is designed to mitigate the environmental impact of individual transportation choices and reduce the alarming levels of smog in the region.
The Education Authority in Lahore has issued a directive, underscoring the compulsory acquisition of school buses by private institutions. Schools are expressly required to transport 60 percent of their students exclusively through the buses provided by the school. The directive emphasizes compliance and threatens punitive action against schools found in violation of the order.
To ensure strict adherence to the directive, the Education Authority has mandated private schools to procure buses and submit relevant certificates as evidence of compliance.
This meticulous oversight highlights the government’s commitment to enforcing the new transport policy and instilling a sense of collective responsibility among educational institutions.
It’s worth noting that, currently, a significant percentage of students in private schools rely on their own transportation, with 60-80% using private vehicles and 30-40% opting for private van services.
Initially, this transformative policy will target prominent school franchises, paving the way for broader implementation across the educational landscape in the future.
As Punjab takes this bold step in reshaping the transport dynamics of private schools, the move reflects a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges. It underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the education sector.
