PANAJI
Facing criticism over the condition of Balrath school buses and concerns about student safety, the Goa government has unveiled a revamped Balrath Vidyarthi Parivahan Sahay Yojana, 2026, aimed at replacing ageing vehicles and tightening oversight of the school transport system.
The move comes after the Education Department and the government had off and on come under severe scrutiny in recent years following road accidents involving Balrath buses.
Several of the buses involved were found to be poorly maintained, raising serious questions about the administration of the scheme and the safety of school children who depended on it.
The new policy acknowledges that most Balrath buses were procured between 2009 and 2010 and have exceeded their expected lifespan. Many are now considered unfit for service.
The revised scheme seeks to replace condemned buses with new vehicles, while continuing annual grants for operation and maintenance.
The Directorate of Education currently supports 410 Balrath buses serving 317 aided institutions across the State.
Schools that have already replaced old buses through their own funds, CSR support or other sources will now be eligible for recurring government assistance.
Aided schools without a Balrath bus can also seek support for one new vehicle, subject to approval.
The modified scheme also retains annual assistance for drivers, attendants, fuel, repairs and insurance. Drivers will continue to receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 17,000 and attendants Rs 10,000, with a provision for a five per cent annual increment.
In a significant tightening of regulations, institutions are now mandated to submit audited accounts, fitness certificates, insurance documents and utilisation certificates to continue receiving grants.
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) will also have to certify that bus services remained operational and satisfactory.
The scheme mandates periodic servicing, valid fitness certification, maintenance through authorised dealers and strict adherence to traffic regulations.
Drivers must maintain log books and submit records to the Education Department.
Each institution will also be required to set up a Children Transportation Committee to monitor student transport, identify bus stops and oversee transportation-related issues.
Schools failing to submit mandatory documents on time risk losing future grants. Institutions must also demonstrate the financial capacity to operate buses independently in case government assistance is delayed.
