Pune: In a significant step to enhance the safety of students commuting to municipal schools, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to appoint female attendants in school buses. The initiative is in line with the new government policy that mandates improved safety measures for student transportation, particularly for girl students.

The decision comes against the backdrop of several reported incidents of harassment and abuse by school bus drivers in various parts of the state. To prevent such occurrences, the state government has implemented new transportation safety guidelines, which the PMC has decided to adopt for its Vidyaniketan and Kridaniketan schools.

Deputy Commissioner Asha Raut confirmed that the PMC will include provisions for these appointments in the next year’s municipal budget. The process of hiring female attendants is set to begin shortly, ensuring the implementation of these safety measures in the coming days.

The Vidyaniketan and Kridaniketan schools currently rely on buses provided by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) to facilitate student transportation. A total of 48 buses are operational for commuting students from PMC schools. Under the new policy, the presence of female safety attendants is mandatory on buses carrying girl students.

PMPML had earlier raised the need for safety attendants with the education department, aligning with the government resolution. Considering the safety requirements, the PMC has decided to deploy female attendants across all school buses to ensure a secure commuting experience for students.