Principal rejects transporters' charges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 30 2013:
Dismissing allegations levelled against authorities of Shishu Nistha Niketan (SNN) by All Manipur School Students Transporters' Association (AMSSTA) as misleading information intent on putting the educational institute in bad light, SNN principal N Elizabeth clarified that based on complaints by the parents the school simply tried to implement 'school transport policy' .
Strongly opposing AMSSTA's contention that school authorities should be held responsible for the transporters ceasing service for SNN students, Elizabeth told mediapersons at the school's Mayai Koibi premises that in the last few years a number of parents/guardians lodged strong complaints that safety, comfort and security of the students are being compromised by the transport service providers.
Based on the complaints service providers were repeatedly intimated to share details on the number of students in a vehicle (Van), transport fee amount, schedules, safety measures and whether or not the transporters are providing multiple services.
In addition to the transporters not responding positively to the intimations, AMSSTA rebuked the school authorities' verbal intimation on March 18 that vehicles transporting the students be registered to ply as approved transporters by insisting that they (AMSSTA) will not carry Shishu Nistha Niketan students, alleged the principal.
Prevailing upon the transport service providers that it is their prerogative whether or not to resume service, she also informed that the SNN need to comply with the CBSE's directives that educational institutions implement 'school transport policy' .
With regard to AMSSTA's stand that vehicle registration fee is unjustifiable, the principal clarified that for one time registration a vehicle owner will have to deposit Rs 1500 while amount for refundable security deposit (welfare fund) would be Rs 3000 .
She also blamed the then school van transporters' illegal and arbitrary declaration not to admit new school van for ferrying new students for parents' hesitation to admit their wards in the institution.