Schools submitted 128 transport safety reports – Department of Education

The education department received 128 reports from schools regarding measures taken to comply with transport conditions for students issued by the authorities. The Commissioner of Education has directed schools in the district to submit reports by November 7th.

Joint Commissioner of Education Dilip Jagdale said the department has received complaints, suggestions and objections related to the safety of school transport. The report investigates the reasons for the delay in enforcing school transport safety standards, including the installation of CCTV cameras, personnel on school vehicles, bus driver records and identity verification of school and bus staff.

The alleged sexual assault of two minor girls by a school van driver in Pune on September 30 has prompted authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the safety of school vehicles. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has also urged schools to hire female staff for school vehicles.

The state education department’s guidelines include installation of CCTV, formation of security committees and safe transportation for students above 15 years of age. Their checklist includes background checks for contract staff, a complaint box, a student safety committee, restroom aides for elementary, upper elementary, and students starting in 6th grade, and regular sexual harassment committee meetings. . According to the officials, under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Act, failure of a school to comply with rules and regulations may result in punishment.