Cases Booked Against 245 Institutions Over School Bus Violations
Despite prior instructions and orientation programmes, violations were reported on the first day of reopening: Reports
HYDERABAD: With schools and educational institutions reopening across the state on Monday, the transport department registered cases against vehicles of 245 institutions for safety violations. The action follows inspections ordered by the transport minister in May, directing officials to check vehicles operated by educational institutions.
Despite prior instructions and orientation programmes, violations were reported on the first day of reopening. According to the department, the state has 25,987 buses operated by educational institutions, of which 23,204 have valid fitness certificates. The remaining 2,783 buses have been directed to obtain certificates at the earliest.
“Special inspections targeted vehicles operating without fitness certificates, buses carrying students beyond the permitted capacity, and vehicles failing to comply with safety norms. Cases were registered against vehicles belonging to 245 educational institutions, while 60 buses without valid fitness certificates were seized. The transport department said the inspection drive would continue,” the transport department explained.
The department advised managements of educational institutions to present vehicles for regular fitness tests and prioritise student safety. It warned that vehicles operating without fitness certificates or found overloaded would be seized.
Officials said that, under the Motor Vehicles Act, cases would be registered and legal action initiated against vehicle owners, drivers and the managements concerned. The department added that responsibility for operation, maintenance and compliance with safety standards rests with the respective school and college managements.