Team Herald
PANJIM: The Department of Education has decided not to provide new Bal Rath school buses will be given to government-aided schools.
Director of Education Shailesh Zingde stated that there are 410 Bal Rath buses already in service in the State and no new permissions would be granted hencefor for providing such vehicles to aided schools in future.
"We are not going to give new buses but grants will continue for the existing ones. If the managements get replacement of the buses on their own or through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or through MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) fund, then the grants will continue," said Zingde.
However, reacting on the issue, United Bal Rath Employees Union leader Swati Kerkar said, "Some schools managements are maintaining the buses but others are not. The Bal Rath services have helped students, especially those who belong to rural areas. This has improved attendance and results but this decision of the government will have an impact on education, especially in remote areas. The government is incurring expenditure on almost everything but when it comes to education, it starts making excuses."
"You are talking about funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or other means; it only shows that you are shirking your responsibility. This decision will certainly have an impact on the education and the students whose parents do not have their own vehicle. They will have to walk to the school. The Education Department should conduct inspection and find out where the requirement is and where not. It is the responsibility of the government to see that students are not inconvenienced," she said.
Bal Rath bus aid cut worries parents from remote mining belt
PONDA: The mining-dependent community is growing increasingly concerned over reports that the Education Department may stop financial aid for the Bal Rath buses in the future. These buses provide crucial transport services for students in remote areas.
Suraj Garad, a former PTA member of Khandepar School, shared his thoughts on the issue, emphasising the aging fleet of Balrath buses, which have been in service for over 15 years. He pointed out that the rising maintenance costs are becoming a burden, further straining the system.
Garad urged the government to allocate funds from the mineral wealth available for the benefit of students in mining-affected areas. He suggested using the funds to provide essential resources like bus transport, smartphones, computers, and other necessary amenities for students.
He emphasised that students from remote areas on the mining belt often travel long distances to attend school or college, returning home late. School buses, funded by the mineral resources, could alleviate this problem. He also pointed out that mobile network connectivity is poor in these areas and recommended that the funds be used to improve mobile towers and enhance connectivity.