Give schooling, public transport to slum children: Rights panel tells state

[related-post]

“The majority of the children who reside in these slums are between the age group of 6 to 8 years and therefore, cannot travel on their own. Their parents being daily wage workers are unable to accompany them. Accordingly, BEST bus services are required to be given at concessional rates to them. Also, BEST has hiked fare from Rs 30 to Rs 100 per month. Therefore, for want of financial support and inaccessibility of the bus service, the children are being deprived of school, which is against the provision of the Right to Education (RTE) Act,” the complainant had submitted.

The Commission issued notice to the BEST general manager. “The chief manager (transport) appeared before the Commission and filed a written reply. In the reply, it is mentioned that instead of collecting the fees per month, BEST collect fare for five months and lumpsum of Rs 600. BEST is providing bus services even if they do not get their pass renewed. Regarding the reduction in bus fees, BEST has already provided two special buses for these slums. However, BEST is a commercial organisation, and do not get any grant either from the state government or the Central government. Therefore (said the reply), reduction in the fees was not possible,” says the detailed order.

Accordingly, MSCPCR in their order, have said that under the RTE Act, it is the duty of the state to provide education to all in the age group of 6 to 14 years, which also includes the provision of facilitating public transport facilities.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com