After the much-appreciated ‘Suchi at School’ programme, P Rajeeve MP has come up with an another initiative - ‘Reach 2 School’ to ensure that students enjoy a safe journey to school. As part of the project, school buses will be provided to all government and aided schools and safe travelling of students will be monitored.
The project will be implemented in a phased manner. In the first phase, 15 government schools in Ernakulam and Aluva sub-districts will get the buses. It will be extended to other schools later.
An emergency tracking system with centralised monitoring will be put in place. The school buses will be connected to the centre through a GPS technology which will ensure the security of the students while travelling. In case of an accident or any other emergency, SMSes will be sent to schools, police stations and fire stations. A special software will be designed for the purpose. Discussions are on with a technopark-based software company for implementing it, Rajeeve said.
“`1.5 crore has been allotted for the first phase of the project. More funds will be allocated if needed. The MP fund will be provided for the first five years after which the PTA should bear the cost of the operation of the buses. There are also plans to approach public and private sector institutions to mobilise funds,” Rajeeve said.
One bus has already been given to Thevakkal Government School as a pilot project. Since it was successful, the project will be extended to other schools, he said.
The project focuses on government schools. Interested school authorities should submit applications to the MP’s office on or before June 20. Buses will be allotted after scrutinising the applications. The total number of students and the location of the school will be taken into consideration.
After having completing the first phase of Suchi at School project successfully, e-toilets and napkin insinuators will be provided to all schools that apply for the the same by July. There is also a plan to launch e-toilets at Ernakulam South and Tripunithura railway stations. If the Kochi Corporation is willing to cooperate with the project, MP fund will be allotted for installing e-toilets at bus stands and other public places within city limits, he said.