07 March,2026 07:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
School transport vehicles often witness child safety lapses, making enforcement of norms crucial. Representation pic/iStock
The transport commissioner's office has once again directed all school bus and van operators to install CCTV cameras to ensure student safety. A committee comprising senior officers from the School Education Department and the Women and Child Development Department recommended stricter measures for vehicles transporting children. Along with CCTV surveillance, presence of female attendants and police verification of staff are mandatory safeguards.
Assault trigger
The directive comes shortly after reports of a sexual assault on a pre-primary student allegedly by a van driver, prompting authorities to tighten monitoring of school transport services.
Sub-regional transport officers have been asked to conduct inspections of all vehicles ferrying students. The move comes amid the possibility of a statewide strike by school bus operators. The protest - primarily against the e-challan system and mandatory retro-fitments like CCTV cameras and panic buttons - has been deferred for now.
06
Female attendants required in school buses for children below this age
. CCTV cameras are mandatory in every school bus and transport vehicle
. Female staff are required when transporting children below six years
. Female attendants are required where female students are present
. Police verification mandatory for drivers, conductors, and cleaners
Anil Garg, head, school bus owners association
"Inspections of school buses have already been underway for the past week. While checks for CCTV cameras and female attendants are conducted in larger buses, similar norms are rarely enforced on smaller vans. These vehicles are often where child safety incidents occur, so strict rules must be followed across all school transport. In the meantime, since the Assembly is underway, the school bus strike has been deferred."
