Goemkarponn desk
PONDA: Parents expressed concern over some of the Old Balarath buses lying in the worst condition and in operation for transportation of students.
Speaking on anonymity, one Headmaster said that the Balarath buses were introduced in 2009; however, some of the old fleets are rusted.
“The checkered plate is broken. Side metal too rusted and received cracks posing a risk to the lives of students travelling in those buses,” he said.
He said Government provides Rs 3.6 lakhs to management for each Balarath bus for salary, maintenance and diesel.
However, this money is falling short for maintenance.
Padmanabha Prabudesai, who retired as Headmaster four years ago, said the Parents and Headmaster Association had informed them about the worst condition of buses to the Education Department long back.
He said the government must scrap old buses and buy new ones for the safety of students. There is no point in paying compensation after accidents.
The General Secretary of the United Balarath Employees Association, Shivkumar Naik, said there are around 422 buses all over the school in Goa.
He said some buses are in terrible condition and poses a risk to students.