Chitradurga: Students of govt schools in Holalkere taluk are now commuting in dedicated school buses, a facility often associated with private institutions. Thirteen buses have been provided under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) initiative spearheaded by Holalkere MLA M Chandrappa.While the Karnataka govt has announced free bus services for students in Karnataka Public Schools, the scheme is yet to be implemented. In Holalkere, however, buses are already ferrying students to and from 13 schools across the constituency.The initiative is expected to improve attendance, support quality education and reduce the financial burden on poor and rural families. Students belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other communities are availing the service free of cost.Schools benefiting from the scheme include NES and MAM High School, Govt High School in Holalkere town, schools in HD Pura, NG Halli, Talikatte, Upparigenahalli, Janata Colony in Chikkajajur, Kashipura, Bharamasagara and Hullehal-Bastihalli.According to Holalkere block education officer H Srinivas, attendance and enrolment have increased significantly, especially among students from remote villages and rural girls. Several schools cater to students from LKG and UKG to PUC. He added that rising enrolment has helped retain additional teaching staff in the taluk’s schools.Srinivas said the department is meeting expenses related to drivers, conductors, fuel, insurance and maintenance through funds released to school development and monitoring committee accounts. CCTV cameras have also been installed in the buses to enhance student safety.MLA Chandrappa said bus facilities have already been arranged for 13 schools and plans are under way to provide six to 10 more buses. He cited Bastihalli village school as an example, saying enrolment rose from 30-35 students to 850 after new classrooms were constructed and bus services introduced.
