Lucknow: The physical inspection of schools ordered by the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court to assess infrastructure, student safety and traffic management began in the state capital on Saturday with the first day’s audit revealing varying levels of compliance.Of the 17 schools inspected, seven were rated “Better”, five “Average” and five “Poor”, officials associated with the exercise said.The exercise is being carried out by trained and verified personnel.The audit is part of an ongoing public interest litigation (PIL) being monitored by a division bench of Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Brij Raj Singh, which has been hearing concerns over school safety and chronic traffic congestion outside educational institutions.A positive development highlighted before the court was the improvement in traffic management at Loreto Convent School.Senior advocate and amicus curiae JN Mathur informed the bench that the school had complied with the court’s earlier directions by opening Gate No. 6A, allowing vehicles carrying students to enter through one gate and exit through another. The revised traffic plan has significantly eased congestion, with traffic jams on adjoining roads virtually disappearing.During the previous hearing, the high court had also expressed concern over schools failing to deploy traffic marshals. It directed the deputy commissioner of police (traffic) to issue notices to defaulting schools and warned that institutions violating the directions on three or more occasions could face action.The state is expected to submit the findings of the inspection exercise before the high court during the next hearing.
