Following the alleged sexual abuse of two minor girls, both around six years old, by a school van driver on September 30, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has urged schools to recruit female staff for school vehicles and launched a web portal where school transport committees can submit reports.
Pune Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad said that, according to rules it is mandatory to establish a school transport committee (STC) in schools. “This committee consists of police, RTO officials, and parent representatives. A website, (https://schoolbussafetypune.org), has been created to monitor how well schools are complying with the school bus safety rules,” she said.
Gaikwad added that to enhance the safety of children travelling by school vans and buses, the school authorities have been directed to appoint female staff members in vehicles to supervise the safety of students.
Sub-Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale said the RTO has begun inspecting school buses and vans to take action against vehicles violating rules. “Ten teams, including 20 officers and other employees, have been assigned for this purpose. These teams are checking whether transporters are adhering to the school student transport tules,” he said.
Additionally, RTO officials are reviewing the student transport systems in schools after meeting with principals. Bhosale said that instructions are being given repeatedly to ensure compliance. “It is mandatory for schools to submit all details regarding students’ transport on the web portal, and we will review the reports regularly. The education department will be advised to take action against schools found in violation,” Gaikwad added.
Officials noted that parents can also check the reports submitted by schools on the portal and file complaints with the RTO if school vehicles fail to follow the guidelines.
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