The bone of contention, according to SBOA, is the government’s lack of action towards private operators, who continue to ply teenagers in Sumo vans, Maruti vans and auto rickshaws, despite the state’s policy that considers it illegal to ferry children who are over 12 in these vehicles. Also, the rule that not more than six students can travel in one van is not adhered to by these vans. SBOA members feel that the government, instead of cracking down on these operators, is unfairly targeting private bus operators.u00a0

“We are always caught by traffic and RTO officials for not following rules, and our new school buses are not passed, if speed governors are not installed in them. But, these rules don’t apply to private van owners, who often breach RTO regulations,” said Anil Garg, Chairman of SBOA.