Maharashtra Government Announces New School Bus Policy for Upcoming Academic Year
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Mumbai: In response to growing concerns over fairness, transparency, and safety in school bus services, the Maharashtra government has announced a new policy set to take effect in the upcoming academic year. The decision comes amid complaints from parents about financial exploitation and inadequate safety measures in school transportation.
Committee Formed to Draft Regulations
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik revealed that a special committee has been established under the leadership of retired transport officer Jitendra Patil to develop new regulations and guidelines. The committee has been given one month to submit its recommendations to the government.
Thousands of school buses operate across Maharashtra, and the government aims to ensure fair pricing and transparent operations. Parents have raised concerns over private operators collecting full-year fees for only a 10-month service period, adding to their financial burden. Many have suggested a monthly payment system instead of the current lump-sum model.
Focus on Safety Measures
Apart from financial issues, the minister also stressed student safety as a key concern. He cited recent incidents in Panvel and Badlapur, where students’ safety was compromised. To address this, the new policy is expected to include mandatory safety measures such as:
- Panic buttons
- Fire sprinklers
- GPS tracking systems
- CCTV cameras with centralized control for monitoring by schools or bus operators
“The safety and well-being of students should be the top priority,” Sarnaik stated, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and monitoring mechanisms.
The Maharashtra transport department hopes the new policy will create a more transparent, affordable, and secure school transportation system for students and parents across the state.
