PONDA: Parents in Ponda are concerned about the rundown condition of Bal Rath bus transport facilities for students, especially those in remote areas of Ponda. Suraj Garad, Chairman of the PTA at Khandepar MIBK School, said there was an urgent need for the government to provide new and additional Balrath buses to address the current challenges faced by students.
The Bal Rath bus service was introduced in 2012 with the aim of facilitating transportation for school students. However, over the years, many buses have deteriorated and are now in a dilapidated condition. Garad highlighted that these buses are not only unreliable but also pose safety risks to the students.
One of the major issues faced by students is the inconsistency in the timing of private buses, which often results in delays of 15 to 20 minutes on average. “This delay impacts students’ punctuality and attendance at school, and affects their overall academic performance,” he said.
At MIBK School in Khandepar, which has approximately 1,200 students, only one Bal Rath bus currently serves the transportation needs. Garad stressed the necessity of providing an additional bus to cater to the growing student population effectively.
In addition to the demand for new buses, Garad called for an increase in funds allocated for the maintenance and repair of existing buses. He emphasised that regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the transportation service.
“If the government can regularly replace and upgrade the vehicles provided to Ministers and MLAs every five to six years, school buses should also be replaced periodically to maintain safety standards and provide reliable transportation for students,” said Garad.
Furthermore, Garad proposed the introduction of Kadamba buses specifically for transporting students from the remote village of Pali to their schools. This initiative, he argued, would help streamline transportation services and ensure that students arrive at school on time.
