Will Tamil Nadu Launch 23 Micro Vans for Tribal School Students in Six Districts?
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Tribal Welfare Department is launching 23 micro vans to improve school access for over 2,000 tribal children across six districts. This initiative aims to overcome transportation challenges and ensure consistent attendance in remote areas, addressing long-standing educational barriers.
Key Takeaways
- 23 micro vans to improve access to education.
- Serving 56 primary schools across six districts.
- Over 2,000 children expected to benefit.
- Funding of Rs 3.6 crore allocated for procurement.
- Partnership with NGOs for effective implementation.
Chennai, June 30 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance educational access in remote tribal regions, the Tribal Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu is set to roll out 23 micro vans that will service 56 primary schools across six districts.
This initiative focuses on tribal areas in Tiruchy, Dharmapuri, Salem, Kallakurichi, Erode, and the Nilgiris. It is anticipated to assist over 2,000 children who currently encounter numerous hurdles, such as perilous forest paths, unreliable transportation, and severe weather conditions on their daily trips to school.
“For years, one issue we’ve noted is that students frequently do not return to school after extended weekends or term breaks, despite all tribal schools providing residential facilities,” stated a department official.
“This situation, alongside challenging terrain and safety risks along forest routes, contributes to gradual dropout rates and prolonged absenteeism, significantly affecting learning outcomes,” he added.
In response, the state government has issued an order allocating Rs 3.6 crore for the acquisition of the 23 micro vans. This decision follows a pilot project initiated at the end of the last academic year, which saw micro vans operating in four schools in the Kalvarayan Hills of Kallakurichi district.
The government reported that the pilot project resulted in a notable increase in student attendance, leading officials to extend the initiative statewide.
Under the new scheme, clusters of nearby schools have been identified so each van can cover multiple schools in a single route. “The initiative has been designed to maximize benefits for the greatest number of children,” the official stated.
The micro vans are projected to commence operations within the next two months and will be managed in collaboration with NGOs operating in these districts to ensure effective execution and monitoring.
Accounts of children navigating long and hazardous forest trails to obtain an education remain prevalent in many tribal areas across Tamil Nadu. Officials aspire that this transport initiative will tackle these enduring challenges, diminish dropout rates, and ensure regular attendance. “We aim to guarantee that children are not denied an education simply due to their location,” the official concluded.
Point of View
I commend the Tamil Nadu government for this significant step towards enhancing educational accessibility. The introduction of micro vans is a proactive approach to addressing the barriers faced by tribal students. Such initiatives reflect a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no child is deprived of education due to their geographical location.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the micro vans?
The micro vans aim to improve access to education for tribal students by providing reliable transportation to schools.
How many children will benefit from this initiative?
Over 2,000 children are expected to benefit from the micro vans across six districts.
What areas will the micro vans cover?
The micro vans will cover tribal regions in Tiruchy, Dharmapuri, Salem, Kallakurichi, Erode, and the Nilgiris.
How much funding has been allocated for this initiative?
The state government has allocated Rs 3.6 crore for the procurement of the micro vans.
When will the micro vans start operating?
The micro vans are expected to begin operations within the next two months.
