1,771 School Buses in Odisha Running Without Valid Permits, Govt Tells Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday informed the Assembly that 1,771 buses operated by educational institutions across the state are running without valid permits, raising serious concerns over regulatory compliance and student safety.

Replying to a query in the House, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said that out of 4,045 buses currently engaged in transporting students across Odisha, a significant number do not possess mandatory transport permits required under law.

The Minister further stated that in the capital city of Bhubaneswar alone, 17 buses belonging to educational institutions have been found ferrying students without valid permits.

The disclosure has sparked concern among parents and other stakeholders, as transport permits are essential to ensure vehicle fitness, valid insurance coverage, and adherence to prescribed safety norms. Without proper permits, questions arise regarding compliance with safety regulations meant to protect school and college students.

With more than 4,000 institutional buses operating statewide, the revelation points to possible gaps in enforcement and monitoring mechanisms within the student transport system. Observers believe stricter inspections and compliance drives may be necessary to safeguard thousands of students who rely on these buses daily.

However, the government has not clarified whether any penal action has been initiated against the institutions found violating permit norms.