Bhubaneswar, March 20: Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena informed in a written reply that 460 school buses in Odisha are operating without valid fitness certificates. His statement came in response to a question by Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, who sought details on the number of buses and the criteria for issuing fitness certificates.

The minister stated that 3,322 passenger buses have been operating in the state for over a decade. The renewal of fitness certificates is carried out as per the guidelines mentioned in Annexure ‘A’ of the directive. He further revealed that 1,484 school buses are currently registered in the state, of which 460 lack valid fitness certificates.

Expressing concern, Bahinipati questioned how many unfit school buses are plying in Bhubaneswar and what actions the department has taken to ensure compliance. In response, the minister assured that regular inspections are conducted by the Enforcement Team, and e-challans are issued against violators. The government is taking necessary steps to improve compliance and ensure student safety.

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