All staff must wear helmets while riding to school, says DSE

Although wearing a helmet is compulsory for all the citizen as per the law, DSE came up with the new rule following complaints that several teachers donot wear helmets while riding to school, presenting a poor example to students.

A senior official from the School Education Department told DT Next that strict orders have been issued to all schools, including private institutions, that wearing helmet is mandatory for all school staff who use two-wheelers. “The rule is applicable for all teachers, headmasters, principals and non-teaching staff working government schools, government aided schools and self-financing institutions across all districts of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Stating that most of the teachers and other non-teaching staff of several institutions in the State flout the helmet rule, the official added, “They (teachers) will not only be role models for the students if they wearhelmets but also encourageothers to do so. It will also ensure the safety of the staff.”

According to the official it was found that more than 60% of teachers and non-teaching staff in the do not wear helmets while riding two wheelers.

“Action will be initiated against those who violate the rule which has already been put into effect,” he said. The authorities also directed schools to depute at least one physical education teacher to regulate traffic especially nearby the bus stand so that students, who use public transports, do not travel by footboard.

Welcoming the move, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association President PK Ilamaran said wearing helmets would not only save the life of the rider but also it can set an example not only for students but for parents as well since a large numberof them are spotted riding to schools without helmets.