The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has expressed serious concern over the alleged rampant use of private motor vehicles by school and college students, particularly underage students without valid driving licences, and urged the District Administration to intensify enforcement against such violations.
In a statement, LSU president S Zubenthung Ngullie said underage driving not only endangers the lives of students but also poses a serious threat to public safety. He pointed out that driving by minors is prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Act and is punishable under law.
The Union specifically referred to Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, under which where an offence is committed by a juvenile, the guardian or parent, or the owner of the vehicle, is deemed to be guilty and liable to be proceeded against and punished in accordance with law.
The LSU questioned who would bear responsibility in the event of a mishap or fatal accident, stating that while parents, guardians or vehicle owners could be held accountable under the law, enforcement authorities should also be held responsible for failing to maintain proper checks.
The Union urged the District Administration to immediately conduct strict checking and take necessary action against violations. It said it would continue to monitor the situation and report violations to the competent authorities.
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The LSU also appealed to parents and educational institutions to cooperate by maintaining regular checks on children, wards and students.
Expressing a parallel concern over the growing number of students residing in rented accommodations without adequate parental guidance or guardianship, the Union said lack of supervision could affect students’ discipline and conduct.
The LSU reminded students of the need to maintain discipline and moral integrity both inside and outside educational institutions, while urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and regularly monitor their wards’ conduct, lifestyle and academic progress.
The Union said it would continue to monitor both issues in the interest and welfare of the student community and warned that negligence in this regard would be viewed seriously.
