Jammu, March 7, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Commissioner’s Office has extended the deadline for the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in school buses to March 31, 2025. Initially, school authorities were required to complete the installation by January 31, 2025, but the extension was granted following a request from the President of the Forum of Unaided Recognized Institutions (FOURI). The directive aims to enhance student safety and ensure better monitoring of school transportation services.
In the notice issued by Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, schools have been reminded to comply with the order, emphasizing that installation is mandatory. The Transport Department has instructed all enforcement agencies to conduct special drives starting April 1, 2025, to verify compliance. Schools that fail to install CCTV cameras in their buses will face action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, ensuring strict enforcement of safety measures.
Authorities have also directed all concerned departments to oversee compliance and submit weekly reports to the Commissionerate. The notice states, “The action taken report in this regard shall be submitted to this Commissionerate on a weekly basis,” reinforcing the importance of continuous monitoring and accountability.
The directive has been circulated to various officials, including the Financial Commissioner (Higher Education Department), Secretary to the Government (Transport Department), Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Deputy Commissioners of all districts, Director of School Education (Jammu/Kashmir), and Regional Transport Officers. The involvement of multiple agencies ensures that the implementation of CCTV cameras in school buses is taken seriously across the region.
Dr. Punika Pandita, Assistant Transport Commissioner, J&K, has also endorsed the notice, signaling the government’s commitment to improving school transportation safety. The Transport Department’s firm stance on this issue highlights the growing focus on student security in public and private educational institutions.
The extension has provided relief to schools that required additional time for implementation. However, authorities have warned that non-compliance will lead to strict action. With enforcement drives beginning in April, schools are expected to complete the installation process before the deadline to avoid penalties.
