In response to alarming incidents of sexual abuse involving minor students, the Pune regional transport office (RTO) has issued a crucial directive to all schools and colleges in the city. Within the next 15 days, educational institutions are required to provide comprehensive details of their school vans, buses, and other transport facilities on the RTO’s official website. This initiative aims to enhance accountability and ensure the safety of students while commuting.
The decision comes in the wake of several disturbing cases that have raised concerns about the safety of children in transit. Notably, Pune city police apprehended a 45-year-old school van driver on September 30, accused of sexually abusing two minor girls. Moreover, a police case was lodged on September 24 involving a 16-year-old girl who reported being raped multiple times by four individuals, including two minors she had interacted with on Instagram. The survivor bravely shared her traumatic experience during a counselling session focused on sexual offences against children, organized at her college.
Archana Gaikwad, the Pune regional transport officer, emphasized the urgent need for preventive measures, stating, “As minor girls are becoming victims of abuse, we are implementing steps to avert such incidents. All vehicles owned by schools and colleges in Pune must now be registered online to promote transparency and accountability.
”This proactive measure by the Pune RTO aims not only to bolster the safety of students but also to foster a culture of vigilance among transport operators and educational institutions. The hope is that by enforcing stricter regulations and ensuring that transport facilities are properly documented, the risk of future incidents can be significantly reduced, safeguarding the well-being of the city’s children.
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