In a significant move aimed at strengthening the safety of school-going children, the Maharashtra government has issued a comprehensive Government Resolution mandating schools to enforce strict transport safety measures. From weekly alcohol checks to installing GPS and CCTV cameras in school buses, these new regulations aim to ensure children’s security during daily commutes.
Schools Now Accountable for Transport Safety
According to the official government notice, schools will now be held directly responsible for the safety of students using transportation services. The school management is required to:
- Verify drivers’ identities and criminal backgrounds
- Check for past records of accidents or reckless driving
- Ensure that the driver does not consume alcohol or drugs
As per Times of India, school principals must personally verify if any driver has committed reckless driving or has pending cases before hiring them.
Weekly Drug and Alcohol Screening
In a first, the official government notice mandates that all school bus drivers, cleaners, and female attendants must undergo weekly drug and alcohol tests. These checks are to be carried out before the start of the school day and again before the return journey.
This step aims to detect and deter intoxicated driving and ensure that staff members transporting children are fit for duty at all times.
Mandatory Installation of GPS and CCTV
To further enhance student monitoring and vehicle tracking:
- CCTV cameras must be installed in all school buses.
- Schools must monitor school premises, toilets, and other areas post-school hours to ensure no student is left behind.
- GPS systems are mandatory in all school buses to track their real-time location.
As per Times of India, the GPS requirement is also intended to help schools inform parents about delays or emergencies.
Woman Attendants and Driver Appointments
The official government notice places strong emphasis on having female staff on every school bus. It also encourages the appointment of female drivers wherever possible. Furthermore, before hiring any driver, the school must:
- Check their driving license
- Verify if they have a history of substance use or legal offenses
- Ensure ID verification of private vehicle drivers as well
Regular Vehicle Inspections Every Six Months
The technical fitness of vehicles used for transporting children must now be verified twice a year, with official reports obtained from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). These certificates are to be maintained by the school and submitted for verification upon request.
Rules for Student Pickups, Drop-offs, and Capacity
- The number of students in a bus must not exceed the seating capacity.
- Students should be dropped off at a location near their residence.
- In case of delays or disruptions, schools must immediately inform parents or guardians.
- The last student on the bus should be dropped off with a female attendant/instructor present until departure.
Strict Rules for Private Transport
For students arriving in private vehicles, the official government notice instructs schools to:
- Inform parents to verify driver identity
- Encourage them to keep key personal details of the private drivers
- Discourage external vehicles that aren’t easily monitored
No Unauthorised Access and Emergency Protocols
- Unauthorised individuals must not be allowed to board school buses under any circumstances.
- Students cannot leave the school premises without verified parental consent or proper ID verification (e.g., PAN, Aadhaar).
- In emergencies, students should ideally be handed over to a female headmistress until parents arrive.
Emergency Alerts and Student Absence Notifications
Schools must implement a notification system that immediately alerts parents if a child:
- Misses school
- Misses the bus
- Fails to reach home
This system is expected to drastically reduce confusion and enhance parent-school coordination during emergencies.
Expert Opinions on the New official government notice
According to Times of India, Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association, praised the official government notice but suggested including POCSO training and phone content screening for drivers. She said, ‘These points about background check, driver verification, GPS, appointment of female drivers, and weekly drug and alcohol screening, are great for ensuring the safety of children in school buses. Some additional points that should have been added are compulsory training on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and screening of their phones for 'inappropriate' content.’
Conclusion: A Much-Needed Reform
With over 6,000 school buses operating in Mumbai alone, this official government notice marks a pivotal step toward safer school commutes. While practical implementation may require coordinated efforts from schools, transport operators, and enforcement agencies, the accountability and transparency framework laid out by the state government sets the tone for a more secure educational environment for students across Maharashtra.
Source
Maharashtra Government School Education and Sports Department, 13 May 2025: Click Here
Times of India, 6 June, 2025 : Verify school bus drivers' ID, do alcohol checks every week
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