Pune: Maharashtra Announces New Guidelines for School Buses Ahead of Next Academic Year
The Maharashtra government has announced the introduction of new guidelines for school buses before the next academic year, as stated by State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday. A single-member committee, headed by former additional transport commissioner JB Patil, has been appointed to address numerous complaints from parents regarding unregulated fee structures and student safety.
The Patil Committee has been tasked with submitting its report within a month. It will also consider recommendations from the Madan Committee, which was established to investigate complaints about the unsafe transport of students in autorickshaws.
According to a release issued by the Transport Minister’s office, the new guidelines will be based on the committee’s comprehensive report. Parents have raised concerns about school bus operators charging fees for 12 months despite providing services for only 10 months. Additionally, parents have demanded a monthly payment facility instead of being forced to pay the entire year’s fees upfront.
Minister Sarnaik has also directed the committee to prioritize student safety while formulating the new norms. The updated guidelines are expected to bring transparency and fairness to school bus operations across the state.
