Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday informed the Assembly that as many as 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 the total 4,045 buses currently engaged in transporting students across Odisha, a significant number do not possess the mandatory transport permits.
The Minister further revealed that in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, 17 buses belonging to educational institutions have been found ferrying students without valid permits.
The disclosure has triggered concern among parents and stakeholders, as permits are a crucial requirement under transport regulations to ensure vehicle fitness, insurance coverage, and adherence to prescribed safety norms.
With over 4,000 institutional buses operating statewide, the revelation highlights potential gaps in enforcement and monitoring mechanisms within the student transport system. Observers say stricter inspections and compliance checks may be necessary to ensure the safety of thousands of school and college students who rely on these vehicles daily.
The government, however, has not yet specified whether penal action has been initiated against the institutions found violating permit norms.
