Safety rules for school buses come into effect

MUMBAI: The state transport department has asked for the school bus safety policy to be implemented immediately, in its latest circular to school bus owners. After a number of meetings with bus owners and parents, the department has decided to implement the policy and make changes later, if needed.
"The transport commissioner has discussed every norm under the safety rules in detail with bus owners, parents and school heads, and after that, the government put in place the policy.The implementation process has to start now and problems, if any, shall be dealt with at the local transport officer's level," said S K Sharma, principal secretary, transport.
At the last meeting between the department, school heads and school bus owners on May 20, many aspects of the policy were debated but the parties failed to find common ground. "Even after that meeting, the commissioner met us and took cognizance of our issues," said a bus operator from Navi Mumbai.
Bus operators are happy that their demands are being considered. "We had some points that we wanted changes in. We have been told that the transport department has sent a letter with our demands to the government. Till then, we will implement all norms under the policy that we can," said Anil Garg, president, School Bus Owners' Association.
The circular clearly mentions that vans with students will now have to get written permission from the school authorities. "Van owners will definitely not get the school's permission easily and this may prove to be a problem," added Garg.
Schools are yet to receive any intimation about the bus safety policy and their role. The education department was supposed to send out a circular. "Once schools are notified about the policy, it'll be easier for us to implement it. As of now, we are unclear about the norms," said a school principal.