In a significant development, students residing in the Pimpri Chinchwad area are once again benefiting from a free bus service. While this service was provided in the past, it was temporarily discontinued due to the pandemic. Now, the civic body has made the commendable decision to reinstate the service, specifically targeting the children of construction workers and laborers residing in Rawet, Punavle, and Kiwale areas. These students can now conveniently commute to schools located two and a half to three kilometers away from their homes, thanks to the resumption of the free bus service.
This initiative has been successfully restarted through the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Sahgami Foundation, who tirelessly advocated for its reinstatement. The president of the Sahgami Foundation, along with Municipal Commissioner and School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, emphasized the importance of providing free bus service to students, ensuring that they can attend school effortlessly.
The students from Rawet, Punawale, and Kiwale areas primarily attend municipal schools located at a distance of two and a half kilometers. Many of these students come from underprivileged families, making the availability of free bus service even more crucial. Recognizing the substantial number of students who rely on this transportation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation took the initiative to provide free bus service to facilitate their daily commute. Unfortunately, this service had to be temporarily halted during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year, numerous students were unable to attend school due to the unavailability of the bus service, resulting in the loss of an entire academic year for many. Moreover, considering concerns related to child safety, several parents hesitated to allow their children to walk to school alone. By reinstating the bus service, the educational setback experienced by these children can be mitigated effectively.
The civic authority has officially announced the reintroduction of the free bus service for students, bringing much-needed joy and relief to the children. Witnessing the enthusiastic faces of the students as they board the bus to school is a testament to the positive impact of this initiative. The implementation of this bus facility across all schools under the jurisdiction of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation is particularly significant for the children residing in the Wada slums, who can now access education without any hindrance.
The reinstatement of the free bus service highlights the commitment of the civic authorities and organizations like the Sahgami Foundation to prioritize education and provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. By removing transportation barriers, this initiative fosters a conducive learning environment and empowers students to pursue their educational aspirations without hardship. It is a commendable step towards building a more inclusive and equitable education system in the Pimpri Chinchwad area.
