Pune School Buses Face Action Without CCTV

Pune school bus operators and schools have been given three months to comply with mandatory safety rules.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Pune district school bus safety committee. Pune Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjay Darade directed schools and transport operators to ensure safety rules are followed.

Darade said CCTV cameras must be installed and kept functional in every vehicle used for transporting schoolchildren. The system will be checked when vehicles are presented for renewal of their fitness certificates.

Vehicles found operating without functional CCTV systems could face enforcement action. The committee also directed schools and operators to complete police verification and medical checks of drivers and transport staff.

Schools will have to maintain records of appointment letters, police verification, training and medical certificates and produce them during inspections. For students up to Class 5, every trip must have a female attendant or another designated staff member to provide additional supervision.

Operators have also been told to maintain records of students using the buses, including the time they board and leave the vehicle. Special arrangements must be made for children with disabilities to safely board and get off buses.

School-level transport committees have been asked to address parents' complaints about bus services, safety, and fares. They will also have to submit reports to the district committee every three months.

Authorities have warned that school bus permits could be suspended or cancelled if operators fail to meet the prescribed safety requirements. The meeting also reviewed the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles rules and additional safety provisions introduced by the state government.

The Regional Transport Authority will decide fares for school buses and vans. Once fixed, operators will not be allowed to charge more than 10% above or below the prescribed minimum fare.

The police and transport departments will conduct special inspection drives to check school vehicles and take action against violations.

This move is expected to improve the safety of schoolchildren in Pune. The authorities are taking steps to ensure that school buses are safe and secure for children.

The safety of schoolchildren is a top priority, and the authorities are working to prevent any accidents or incidents. The new rules and regulations will help to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that schoolchildren are safe while traveling to and from school.

In conclusion, the Pune district school bus safety committee has taken a significant step towards improving the safety of schoolchildren in the city. The new rules and regulations will help to prevent accidents and ensure that school buses are safe and secure for children.