Kochi: The Council of CBSE Schools Kerala has called for a reduction in the current tax rates imposed on school buses, stating that the existing charges are a major financial strain on unaided educational institutions. The Council has submitted a formal petition to the government, asking that the tax levied on unaided school vehicles be brought on par with that imposed on vehicles operated by government-run schools.

The Council has also sought a revision of the directive mandating the installation of three cameras in each school vehicle.

Ahead of the school reopening, all school buses must undergo testing and receive approval from the Motor Vehicles Department. At present, the tax for vehicles operated by government and aided schools stands at ₹500 for buses with up to 20 seats and ₹1,000 for those with more than 20 seats. In contrast, unaided school vehicles are charged ₹50 per seat for buses with up to 20 seats and ₹100 per seat for those with more than 20.

Across the CBSE and ICSE networks, there are nearly 1,700 schools, with each institution typically operating around seven buses. The combined impact of heavy taxation and vehicle maintenance adds to the operational costs.

A new proposal requires the installation of three cameras in every school bus from April 1. While the Council supports using cameras to enhance student safety, it has urged the authorities to reconsider the rule mandating more than one camera per bus.

Dr Indira Rajan, general secretary of National Council for CBSE Schools, pointed out that high taxes and the installation of cameras will put a heavy financial burden on CBSE schools.