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Time of India

Free transport helps reduce dropouts in rural schools

1 2 Trichy: In a bid to improve access to education, over 700 students from remote villages in rural Trichy are receiving free transport to government schools through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme. This year, the initiative has been expanded to include 200 more students, aiming to reduce dropout rates and address transportation barriers faced by families in these areas. The programme provides transport to government schools for students living in villages where the nearest school is more than 3 km away. Previously, only students up to Class 8 were covered, but this year the scheme has been extended to include students in Classes 9 and 10. The initiative is being implemented at a cost of ₹41 lakh in Trichy district. Under the programme, the School Management Committee (SMC) members and the headmaster of each school pass a resolution, after which the education department arranges for local private transport services. Depending on student numbers, the transportation is provided via Omni vans or larger vehicles. You Can Also Check: Trichy AQI | Weather in Trichy | Bank Holidays in Trichy | Public Holidays in Trichy The average cost per student is ₹6,000 monthly, paid directly to the transport provider. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest in SALIK shares today and be part of the city's growth سالك Learn More Undo The Block Education Officer (BEO) of each area monitors the programme's implementation. The majority of beneficiaries come from villages in Lalgudi, Musiri, Thiruverumbur, Thathiengarpet, Uppiliyapuram, Pullambadi, and Manachanallur. "Transport is crucial for retaining students in government schools. By eliminating the daily struggle to get to school, dropout rates naturally decline," said Thiruverumbur BEO K Marudhanayagam. However, not all remote areas are covered under the scheme. Recently, students from a village in Manapparai had to rely on a private vehicle arranged by locals after a lack of transport options. Similar issues have been reported in areas like Pachamalai, where transportation remains a barrier. "Awareness of the scheme remains a challenge. Many SMC members and headmasters are either unaware or reluctant to submit proposals," said an official. In some cases, schools like one in Sengattupatti, Thuraiyur, didn't submit proposals this year due to reduced student strength, while in others, a lack of available transport providers hampers implementation.