Pune: In response to a surge in criminal activities, including sexual harassment and exploitation cases in schools and colleges across Pune, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has mandated all educational institutions to register their transport vehicles online.

This action comes as authorities aim to increase safety measures and prevent further incidents involving students.

Over the past few months, alarming incidents have taken place in the city. Last month, a minor girl was sexually assaulted in a school van in Wanawadi. In a separate case, a college student reported sexual exploitation. Such occurrences have raised concerns, prompting authorities to enforce stricter regulations.

According to the RTO's directive, all schools and colleges must submit details of their transport vehicles, including school vans and buses, on the RTO’s website within 15 days. Failure to comply with this order will result in notices being issued by the Education Department.

Pune RTO had recently deployed ten specialized teams comprising a total of 20 officers to inspect school buses and vans operating across the city.

Currently, Pune has around 6,000 registered school vans, but it was discovered that only 60% of these drivers have obtained the required qualification certificates.

The Pune RTO is working to address this gap and ensure that all drivers meet the necessary standards to provide safe transportation for students.

This move is part of a broader effort by the Pune administration to increase the safety and security of minors and college students while commuting to and from their educational institutions.