Principals to be held directly accountable for school, college bus accidents: MVD

Thiruvananthapuram: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has clarified that the principal of a school or college would be directly responsible if a bus carrying students is involved in an accident.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Department reminded educational institutions that they must inform the Regional Transport Office (RTO) before undertaking any educational tour.

The MVD said the directive aims to prevent unsafe driving practices and dangerous behaviour by students, which could lead to serious accidents in public places. Schools and colleges must notify the Department at least one week before the trip.

The statement noted that previous inspections had found several buses transporting students without proper emergency exits or fire safety equipment. Drivers and students were not briefed on emergency response procedures.

The MVD also flagged widespread illegal modifications, including high-powered speakers, disco lights and other unauthorised fittings, which could trigger fires or distract other motorists.

The reminder comes ahead of the annual round of school and college study tours. “Kerala MVD once again reminds all educational institutions and their principals that any accident involving a bus carrying students will be treated as the direct responsibility of the school or college principal,” the statement said.

The Department also reiterated safety concerns raised after the Vadakkenchery accident in October 2022. Following that incident, the Kerala High Court, the State Government, the Motor Vehicles Department and the Education Department issued strict directions to curb unsafe and unregulated practices among tourist bus operators.

However, the MVD noted that increasing competition among operators has led to a spike in unsafe modifications. Many tourist buses now feature high-intensity lights, excessively loud sound systems both inside and outside the vehicle, smoke machines, dancing platforms and other hazardous installations. The Government has made pre-trip inspections by the MVD mandatory for all school and college tours.

School and college authorities must inform the nearest MVD office of their tour schedule—including departure time, destination and expected return—so that officials can inspect the vehicle at any stage and issue safety instructions to students and accompanying staff.

The Government has also directed the Education Department to hold institutions accountable to ensure full compliance with safety norms.