Schools in
Maharashtra have reopened from October 4 for classes 5 to 12 in rural areas and
class 8 to 12 in urban areas. The guidelines for the school reopening were released
on October 3, 2021. There is speculation
that school bus owners may increase fees by up to 30% in view stringent changes
in the SOPs issued by the state transport department.

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Anil Garg of
SBOA said, “Every bus can now carry only 50% of total capacity, making it
financially difficult to ferry children at the previous cost. We will have to
hike fees by nearly 30%. We will take a representation to schools soon”.

According to
the new guidelines, each bus carries only 50% of the total number of students.
It can be challenging to move students with current funding. Owners of buses
have decided to discuss it soon with schools and the state education
department. The new Maharashtra school opening guidelines have many other
important changes.

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“Schools
signing agreements will have to take responsibility for children travelling in
buses. While some readily sign the agreement, other schools are reluctant to
own responsibility,” Garg alleged.

The State
Bus Owner Association, SBOA Maharashtra, has requested a package of funds from
the state government. School buses have been suspended for more than two years
due to the corona virus enforced lockdown by the government. 

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 Lakhs of operators, supervisors and conductors
have faced difficulties due to unavailability of work. Also, according to the
guidelines for the reopening of Maharashtra school, school buses need to be
cleaned twice daily. 

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Operators
must keep buses clean and ensure social distancing and safety for students travelling
by bus. Bus windows should be kept open, and bus drivers and conductors should
be fully vaccinated. Implementing these points with existing fees seems
impossible. Keeping these points in mind, the SBOA decided to reach out to
school administrators and the national government. Stakeholders should continue
to check this page for more updates on the reopening of Maharashtra school.