SHILLONG, Sep 5: Some principals and teachers of higher secondary schools in the state capital feel their students should be allowed to use two-wheelers after proper counselling.
The school education officer of East Khasi Hills district had in August directed all higher secondary schools not to allow students to ride two-wheelers and other vehicles to school.
Jibananda Pal, the principal of Jail Road Boys’ Higher Secondary School contended the students can be allowed to use two-wheelers if they ride safely and follow the rules of the road.
“Awareness has to be created in the schools, keeping in mind the traffic congestion in Shillong,” he said.
He felt not allowing students to use a vehicle is not a good idea since their parents or guardians cannot often drop or pick them up from school.
Babu Kular Khongjirem, a senior teacher said there should not be any objection in the case of students who have a valid driving license issued by a competent authority. “It is not right for those below 18 years to ride or drive as they are not entitled to a driving license,” he said.
The Shillong traffic police have been clamping down on students who continue to use two-wheelers despite being prohibited last month.
A traffic policeman said Section 4 of the Motor Vehicle Act clearly states that no person under the age of 18 years shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place, but a person attaining the age of 16 years can ride a two-wheeler with engine capacity not exceeding 59cc.
The official also said they call the parents of an underage boy or girl caught riding two-wheelers and provide the necessary counselling.
A student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the new rule has affected his commute as his school is quite far from home.
