Pune: The state transport department and school bus associations will sensitise drivers about the POCSO Act and subsequent alienation of family of the accused during a campaign to protect school children from any abuse. A senior RTO official said they plan to start the campaign from Sept 1 to 15. "Coordination is going on with school bus associations," he added.
Anil Garg, president of School Bus Owners' Association in Maharashtra, told TOI that they had begun a sensitisation programme for the drivers in parts of Mumbai. "We have alerted our people in Pune too. Transporters are being told to make sure that drivers are aware of the POCSO Act.
Buses must have a woman attendant and operational CCTV cameras. Schools must provide a woman attendant if a bus has none. Bus drivers should know all these norms so that they act as a deterrent," he said.
There are close to 4,000 registered school buses and 2,100 vans ferrying schoolchildren in Pune. Another RTO officials said the campaign will be rigorous. "Between April and July this year, a total of 716 vehicles carrying school children were checked and action under various offences has been taken against 236 of them.
Many buses operate without a fitness certificate. The drive will cover many aspects but focus on students' safety too,"another RTO official said. Rajan Junavane, president of Pune District Bus and Car Owners' Association, said the number of school buses operating in Pune was far more than the ones registered.
"School vans are no longer allowed to carry children but they are still in the business. Many are overcrowded. We advise drivers to act wisely and responsibly while they are on the job.
However, there aren't enough drivers which is a major concern for transporters," Junavane said. Graphics ======== Reiterating The Rules * There has to be a woman attendant in school buses * The CCTV network in the buses must be operational * The driver under normal circumstances isn't allowed to leave his seat and go towards the children's sitting area * Schools with their own buses or those renting buses from transporters should ensure that they are in good condition * They should interact with the transporters often about all aspects and lapses.
