LUCKNOW, July 29 -- A series of alleged sexual abuse and molestation cases involving school vehicle drivers has renewed concerns over enforcing school transport safety norms in Lucknow. Transport department data compiled this month revealed that police verification of 524 of the district's 2,370 school vehicle drivers returned adverse reports under Mission Bharosa.

Mission Bharosa, an initiative aimed at ensuring the safe commute of schoolchildren through measures including police verification of drivers and attendants, has so far covered 2,370 school vehicle drivers in the district. According to the transport department, 1,846 drivers were found clear, while verification of 524 drivers returned adverse reports, raising concerns over whe...