Wokha, September 28 (MExN): The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has raised concern over the rampant use of private motor vehicles by school and college students, including underage students without valid driving licences, and called on the district administration to intensify enforcement.
In a press statement, the LSU said underage driving not only endangers the students themselves but also poses a threat to public safety. It noted that driving by minors is prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Act and urged the authorities to conduct regular checks and take action against violations.
Referring to Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, the union said that where an offence is committed by a juvenile, the parent or guardian or the owner of the vehicle may be deemed guilty and proceeded against under the law.
The LSU also questioned the accountability of enforcement authorities in the event of a mishap or fatal accident, stating that authorities must ensure proper checks to prevent underage driving. The union appealed to the district administration to "immediately enforce strict checking and take necessary action as per law." It also said it would monitor the situation and report violations to the competent authorities.
The LSU urged parents and educational institutions to cooperate by regularly checking the activities of children, wards and students. The union also expressed concern over students residing in rented accommodations without adequate parental or guardian supervision. It said such arrangements could result in students moving away from discipline and "good conduct".
The LSU reminded students to maintain discipline and moral integrity inside and outside their institutions, while urging parents and guardians to regularly monitor their wards’ conduct, lifestyle and academic progress.
The union said it would continue to monitor both underage driving and the living arrangements of students and warned that negligence in these matters would be viewed seriously.
