School Bus Safety A Priority In Pune: Amitesh Kumar Directs CCTV Installation, Background Checks, And Penalties For Violations
School Bus Safety A Priority In Pune: Amitesh Kumar Directs CCTV Installation, Background Checks, And Penalties For Violations
Pune, June 11, 2025 – Calling school student transport a highly sensitive matter, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has directed all schools and school bus operators to strictly adhere to the school bus safety regulations, ensuring the complete safety of students during transit.
He made these remarks while addressing the District School Transport Safety Committee meeting held at the Police Commissioner’s office. Also present were Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjankumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sandeep Bhajibhakare, Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad, and other RTO officials from Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Baramati, as well as education officers from municipal corporations and Zilla Parishads.
Commissioner Kumar emphasized that each school must ensure all vehicles transporting students are safe. He ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in every school vehicle, and the appointment of female staff for children under six years. Police background checks for drivers, conductors, and cleaners must be mandatory. Drivers should be well-trained, morally sound, and have a clean record, and must undergo eye and medical examinations.
He instructed the Education Department to review the status of school-level transport committees, and directed that a rigorous inspection of school buses and private student transport vehicles be conducted. Any violations must be met with strict penalties.
Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy RTO, presented data revealing that between January 1 and May 31, 2025, the transport department inspected 1,321 school buses and 650 other vehicles, of which 414 buses and 208 vehicles were found non-compliant. A total fine of ₹55.23 lakh was collected for violations.
Kumar concluded by urging better coordination between schools, the transport department, and the police to prevent accidents and ensure student safety.
