Pune, 24 June 2025: In a decisive step to strengthen student safety, the Pune Police Commissionerate has set a final deadline of July 31 for installing CCTV cameras in all school transport vehicles in Pune and nearby areas. This move aims to ensure that students travel in secure and monitored conditions every day.

The decision comes after multiple safety violations were found on the very first day of schools reopening on June 16. Despite earlier guidelines, many school buses, vans, and rickshaws were found overcrowded and lacking basic safety measures. Concerned by this, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar held a meeting with transport officials and asked them to strictly enforce all safety norms.

According to a circular issued by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) on June 21, a joint inspection drive will be launched soon after the deadline. The inspections will follow recommendations from the School Transport Committee and the Student Safety and Physical Facilities Committee under the education department.

A key requirement under the new safety framework is that all school transport drivers must undergo an annual eye test and carry valid vision certificates. These certificates must be checked by school management committees. Any driver failing to produce a valid certificate will not be allowed to operate a school vehicle.

Officials have clearly stated that the July 31 deadline is final. Vehicles without CCTV cameras, found overcrowded, or driven by unqualified drivers will face strict legal action, including fines, suspension, or even permit cancellation. This combined effort by the police and RTO aims to make Pune’s school transport safer, more accountable, and more transparent for all students.