Students from villages close to Government High School in Pallapatti and Government Higher Secondary School in Kottampatti must walk six to eight kilometres to gain access to their daily education.
A single government bus plies through Pudupatti, Vellaimalaipatti and Kattukudipatti villages in Melur taluk at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This facility is of no use to the students as they are expected to be in school by 8:30 a.m. and the school ends by 4:10 p.m.
On Wednesday, 41 students gathered at the Collector’s office here to submit a petition demanding frequent bus services from their villages. They also requested swift action on their plea.
On the Bypass Road, one often sees young children lugging heavy bags during early morning hours, says A. Tamarai of BOW Trust. K. Bhagyalakshmi, a student of Class 9, who walks for an hour and a half to reach school, says, “If we are late to school, we are asked to pay a fine of ₹ 10 and they also ask us to bring our parents.”
Teachers have repeatedly complained to the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation authorities over the past four months but have elicited no response.
“We are tired the moment we enter school in the morning and find it difficult to concentrate on studies. Sometimes, I feel dizzy during the prayer session,” says M. Sundararajeshwari, a Class 7 student.
The students brave several hardships to reach school. Those who are unable to handle the strain often drop out.
The Collector received the petition and promised them to look into the matter in the coming week.
