The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has demanded urgent and strict implementation of the School Bus Policy 2011 across all schools in Navi Mumbai.
In a meeting with Sub-Regional Transport Officer, an MNS delegation urged the transport department to enforce the state government’s guidelines on school transport, citing serious safety lapses and regulatory negligence by private schools.
The demand comes in the aftermath of a deeply disturbing incident where a 4-year old student at a reputed school in Seawoods was allegedly sexually assaulted by a school bus driver. "The incident has reignited concerns over student safety and highlighted the failure of schools to follow basic transport safety norms outlined by the state over a decade ago," said a party worker.
The MNS delegation, led by city president Gajanan Kale and student wing leader Sandesh Dongre, pointed out that the School Bus Policy 2011 mandates every school to form a transport committee comprising the principal, parent representatives, traffic officials, police, education department officials, and bus contractors. The committee is responsible for verifying documents such as registration, fitness certificates, insurance, permits, PUCs, and ensuring fire extinguishers and first-aid kits are available in every vehicle.
They also demanded a complete ban on unauthorized vehicles such as private autos and taxis from picking up students within 100 meters of school gates and emphasized the principal’s accountability for the safety of all students using school transport.
The MNS warned that if the transport department does not act immediately, they will initiate MNS-style protests. In response, Officer Datta Sangolkar assured that school bus inspections will begin immediately.
