School nod not needed for pvt vehicles’ permits

The state government on Friday filed an affidavit in the Bombay High Court stating that private vehicles can be granted permits to ply as school buses if they have entered into contract with a group of parents instead of the school provided they meet all safety norms as per rules.

An affidavit filed by Deputy Transport Commissioner Purshottam Nikam states, “The contract between the school bus contractor and the school is mandatory if the buses are taken on contract by the school. It also states that if the buses, taken on contract by a group of parents, don’t have any contract with the schools, buses don’t qualify for tax-exemption.” The affidavit was filed in response to a public interest litigation filed by the PTA United Forum. The PIL will come up for hearing on July 6.