In a major crackdown on unsafe student transport, transport authorities in Yavatmal district have declared 62 school vehicles unfit and imposed hefty fines. The action comes amid growing concerns over the poor maintenance of vehicles ferrying children to and from educational institutions.
Widespread Safety Failures Uncovered
The Sub-Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Yavatmal conducted a special inspection drive targeting the fleet of vehicles used by private schools. The district has approximately 558 such registered vehicles, in addition to numerous private vans and autos. The drive revealed alarming safety lapses, with many vehicles found to be poorly maintained and in a dangerous condition, which has previously led to accidents.
A total fine of Rs 2.1 lakh has been imposed on the owners of the 62 vehicles deemed unfit for transporting students. Prashant Deshmukh, the Sub-Regional Transport Officer of Yavatmal, stated that the department inspected all 558 vehicles with student safety as the top priority. Penal action was specifically taken against those operating without valid fitness certificates.
Vehicles Grounded, Notices Issued
Following the inspections, the RTO has taken strict measures to ensure these vehicles do not ply until they are safe. All 62 unfit vehicles have been seized and stationed at their respective schools. The RTO has issued clear, direct instructions that they must not be operated under any circumstances until all necessary repairs and safety measures are fully completed.
Official letters detailing the findings and directives have been sent to the principals of the concerned schools. Notices have also been served directly to the schools and the vehicle owners involved. The RTO's firm stance leaves no room for ambiguity: safety compliance is non-negotiable.
Political Scrutiny and Pending Penalties
This issue has gained significant attention at the state level. The safety of school vehicles was actively discussed during the recent winter session of the Maharashtra state legislature in Nagpur. Legislators issued strict instructions to authorities to take penal action against any school buses or private vehicles found violating the Motor Vehicles Act.
The on-ground enforcement reflects this directive. During the Yavatmal drive, 36 vehicle owners promptly paid fines totalling Rs 1.05 lakh. However, penalties amounting to another Rs 1.1 lakh are still pending recovery from the remaining 33 vehicle owners. To bolster enforcement, the RTO has also sent a formal letter to the local police department. The letter instructs the police to take legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act against anyone found operating these unfit vehicles without official permission.
This coordinated effort between the transport department and the police signals a serious attempt to eliminate the threat posed by unsafe student transport in the region.
