Student Safety First: Maharashtra Government Issues New Guidelines for School Transport
Weekly Drug and Alcohol Checks, Driver ID Verification, and GPS Among Key Mandates
In a significant move aimed at enhancing student safety during transportation, the Maharashtra State Education Department has issued a new Government Resolution (GR) that lays down stringent safety protocols for all school buses across the state. The directive, which is binding on all schools, both private and public, calls for robust verification processes, technological upgrades, and regular monitoring to prevent any mishaps involving school transport.
Mandatory Background Verification for Drivers
One of the core stipulations of the new GR is that schools must thoroughly verify the identity and background of their school bus drivers before hiring. This includes checking for any past instances of reckless driving, traffic violations, or accident history. The move is expected to enhance the quality and accountability of drivers responsible for transporting children to and from school daily.
Notably, for students commuting by private transport options, the responsibility also extends to their parents. The GR mandates that parents must inform the school management about the driver's identity and verification details. Moreover, it is recommended that parents personally maintain updated records of their child's transport personnel to ensure transparency and traceability.
Weekly Drug and Alcohol Screening Now Mandatory
In a first-of-its-kind measure in the state, the education department has made it mandatory for all school transport staff — including drivers, cleaners, and female attendants — to undergo weekly drug and alcohol tests. The screenings must be conducted twice a day — once before the morning school run and again before the afternoon drop-off.
This rule aims to eliminate any risk of intoxicated or impaired individuals being in charge of student transportation. School principals have been tasked with ensuring these tests are conducted regularly and without fail.
Preventing Unauthorized Access and Establishing Emergency Alerts
To curb potential threats from outsiders, the GR emphasizes that school principals must ensure no unauthorized individual is allowed to board any school bus. Additionally, all schools are required to establish an alert system that provides immediate notification in the event of a child going missing from school premises or failing to board their designated transport.
This real-time tracking and alert protocol is designed to quickly respond to emergencies and ensure no child is left unattended or unaccounted for during transit.
GPS Installation and Staff Training Compulsory
The GR further directs all schools to install GPS tracking systems in their buses to ensure live monitoring of the vehicle’s location. Principals must also organize safety and awareness training programs for all transport staff to sensitize them on best practices, legal responsibilities, and emergency response procedures.
To make transport environments more inclusive and secure, the government has encouraged the appointment of female school bus drivers. While not mandatory, this recommendation promotes greater gender diversity and helps create a more inclusive and comfortable atmosphere for young students.
Experts Applaud GR, Suggest Further Enhancements
Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association, praised the new safety rules, calling them “excellent steps” toward ensuring student transportation safety. “Background checks, GPS tracking, and drug and alcohol testing are essential. However, the policy could be more comprehensive with mandatory training on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and random screening of staff mobile phones for inappropriate content,” she suggested.
At Bombay Scottish School, these protocols are already in place, said Principal Sunita George. “Our PTA is vigilant and actively involved in overseeing transport safety. No driver is allowed near the school gates without verified police clearance. All buses are equipped with GPS and surveillance cameras, and any driver showing signs of recklessness is immediately dealt with,” she said.
On-Ground Challenges and Practical Suggestions
Despite widespread support, school associations have raised logistical concerns regarding the specific issue of verifying implementation, particularly regarding the verification of credentials for out-of-state drivers. Sanjay Patil, President of the School Principals’ Association, proposed that the government should form district-level committees to assist schools in verifying driver records and expedite police verification.
“Many drivers are from different states, and obtaining police clearance can be difficult. The RTO and local police should actively support schools during this process,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Anil Garg, Head of the School Bus Owners’ Association, welcomed the GR for clearly defining accountability, especially by holding the school principal responsible for the safety of children during transportation. However, he emphasized the need for collaborative execution between schools, transport contractors, and government bodies.
Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction
With growing concerns over the safety of schoolchildren, particularly in urban areas, this GR provides a well-defined framework for ensuring secure and reliable student transportation. It puts the onus not just on schools but also on parents, transport operators, and local authorities.
While implementation challenges are expected, especially for budget-constrained institutions or rural schools, the guidelines serve as a critical baseline for safety standards. Continuous updates, parental involvement, and government support will be crucial in ensuring that every child travels to and from school safely, every day.
