Mumbai school buses to have CCTVs

, March 7: With the crime rate on the rise the police are constantly trying to come up with new methods to curb them. Now the Mumbai police have instructed all schools to install closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in school buses.

They have also told school authorities to ensure 'regular check-up of drivers' eye sight' which should be done every six months besides having drivers' and conductors' antecedents verified.

"CCTVs with at least 15 days recording facility should be installed in school buses," said a police officer.

School officials have been directed to verify details of the vehicles, which includes registration number, road permit, driver's license insurance and vehicle fitness. Bus windows should be fitted with horizontal grills. According to the police official checks should be conducted regularly to see if the driver and conductor is under the influence of alcohol.

This measure is being taken particularly after the number of molestation incidents in the city has increased. In January, a 35-year-old school bus conductor was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a four-year-old nursery student of a premier Juhu school on a moving school bus. A month later, a 24-year-old school bus cleaner was arrested on charges of molesting a three-year-old girl in suburban Malad.

OneIndia News (With inputs from PTI)