post news network
Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over safety and security of schoolchildren who come to the schools from their homes in remote pockets of the state, the state government has decided to provide them transport and security facilities for attending schools.
School and mass education secretary Ranjana Chopra Monday issued a notification in this regard.
“As per the provision of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act- 2009 and Orissa Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rule-2010, the state government makes provisions for transport and escort facilities for children residing in remote areas or in habitations situated in hilly areas, dense forests and other areas,” the notification said.
The children of urban areas, where cost of land is higher for which they have stay faraway places, would also avail the facilities.
Similarly, children belonging to extremely deprived sections of society and those in need special attention would get the benefit, it said.
However, the government has set a few conditions to make available the benefits for the schoolchildren.
“The children of habitations where opening of school is not feasible and where the neighbourhood primary school is at least 1 km away and upper primary school is 3 km away can avail the benefit,” the notification said.
The children of habitations in dense forests and the areas where there is a fear of wild animals would also get the transport and security facilities.
Besides, transport facility would also be made available for the children who face natural barriers during rainy season, the notification added.
Meanwhile, experts say the move will help government bring drop-out children back to school.
