School on Wheels brings dropouts back on track

Y Maheswara Reddy | NT

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP’s) much-awaited School on Wheels finally began functioning a few days ago. The BBMP was supposed to launch it, as per the High Court’s direction, last year for the benefit of children of migrant workers, but the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to execution of that directive.

“Our pro g ramme – School on Wheels – will act as a bridge for school dropouts of 1st and 2nd classes. Teachers attached to School on Wheels facilitate the admission of these children to BBMP schools,’’ said BBMP Special Commissioner for Education, Estates and Markets B Reddy Shankar Babu

The BBMP had procured 10 old buses at Rs 4 lakh each from Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and upgraded them to make the exteriors look like a school bus and the interiors like an Anganwadi classroom.

The BBMP’s objective is to bring back to school children forced into begging and those left out of education because their parents are migrant workers engaged in building construction.

According to BBMP sources, 30 children have attended classes at School on Wheels in Yelahanka Zone, 35 children in RR Nagar Zone, 25 in South Zone, 20 in East Zone, 20 in West Zone, 35 in Dasarahalli Zone, 15 in Bommanahalli Zone and 10 in Mahadevapura Zone. “Most children who attended classes in School on Wheels are recorded in RR Nagar Zone and least in Dasarahalli Zone,’’ he said.

According to BBMP Assistant Commissioner (Education) Umesh, the number of children attending classes is expected to increase in future. “Classes for migrant children are held from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. As of now, we are arranging meals or refreshments in association with a few philanthropists,’’ said Umesh.

It may be recalled that the BBMP had conducted a survey of children who need the intervention. The survey was part of the statewide survey that was asked for, following a PIL filed in the High Court. The survey was aimed at covering 30 lakh migrant families in eight zones.

“I am very happy to be part of this initiative. Children are also happy to attend classes,’’ said Showbhagya, a teacher.

Each School on Wheels has two teachers, one Group D employee and a driver. “This programme began in November, but had to be suspended due to the pandemic. We began conducting classes for migrant children from February 2. As of now, around 20 children attend classes every day,’’ said Manjula M, a teacher.