India, June 4 -- As the new academic year approaches, starting June 16, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune has raised alarms about the safety of schoolchildren due to the non-renewal of fitness certificates of many private school buses and vans. Despite multiple reminders, a significant number of these vehicles have yet to undergo mandatory fitness inspections. In response, the RTO has issued a final warning to vehicle owners.

The RTO emphasised that student safety is non-negotiable, and no compromises will be made on this front.

Swapnil Bhosale, deputy RTO, commented on the issue, saying, "We have consistently instructed school administrations and vehicle owners and even set up special facilities to ensure timely inspections. ...