The Maharashtra government on Monday regularised mini vans for use as school buses, subject to certain conditions, so that parents are not forced to send their children by autorickshaws and other unsafe modes of transport. Transporters and industry experts, however, claimed the move violates Central government regulations and have given the state 15 days to withdraw the plan.

“For safe student transport in the country, the Central government has prepared updated standards — the School Van Regulations (AIS-204) — based on the School Bus Regulations (Automotive Industry Standards, i.e., AIS-063). Four-wheeled vehicles with up to 12+1 seats will be given the status of school vans to transport students. These vehicles will be in the BS-VI category and will include modern safety technologies such as driver identification cards, emergency exits, storage racks, clear seat design, fire alarm systems, and vehicle tracking,” an official said.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “The state government issued licences for school vans through the transport department until 2018. However, some people filed petitions in court claiming vans were unsafe for student transport.” He added, “Compared to rickshaws, vans have more security provisions. The doors are closed, the risk of overturning is negligible.”