Lucknow, March 30 -- The state government has directed strict enforcement of school transport safety norms and announced a statewide checking drive for school vehicles from April 1 to 15, officials said on Monday.

In an order issued by Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, additional chief secretary, basic and secondary education, all district inspectors of schools and basic education officers have been asked to ensure compliance of the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1998, which lays down special provisions for school vehicles.

The directive follows concerns flagged by the transport department that a key reason behind accidents involving school vehicles is lack of proper fitness or defective certification.

The move comes in the backdrop of re...