Chandigarh, April 29 -- Issuing stringent directions to enforce student safety norms, Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has ordered strict action against private schools violating the 'Safe Transportation Policy for Students (STRAPS),' and misusing designated parking spaces within their premises. The estate office has been directed to ensure strict adherence to approved building plans. Schools have been given a one-month deadline to remove encroachments and restore parking areas as per sanctioned plans, failing which appropriate action will be initiated against defaulters. The directions came during a high-level review meeting convened to assess and strengthen the implementation of STRAPS across all private educational institutions in the UT. During the meeting, it was observed that several schools have altered their layouts without obtaining approval for revised building plans (RBP). In many cases, parking areas earmarked in approved plans have been converted into classrooms, playgrounds, courts and other facilities. Officials noted that this has led to a severe shortage of on-campus parking, making it difficult to facilitate safe boarding and deboarding of students within school premises. As a result, parents are compelled to pick up and drop off children on public roads, leading to traffic congestion and increasing the risk to student safety outside schools. Reiterating policy provisions, the DC directed that schools with internal parking must ensure that student pick-up and drop-off takes place strictly within the campus....