A students’ protest swept through Kalaburagi District for the second consecutive day, as young learners expressed their discontentment with the overcrowded buses that have been plaguing their daily commutes. The demonstration intensified due to concerns over transportation inadequacies, causing disruptions to educational pursuits and leaving students in a state of exasperation.
An incident unfolded on June 26 as a group of college students embarked on a bus journey from Vastari Village to Jewargi, eager to partake in their educational endeavours. However, their enthusiasm quickly waned as they encountered an alarming sight, a bus bursting at the seams with passengers, leaving barely enough room to breathe. The chaotic atmosphere resulted in a distressing incident where one student lost her consciousness, fueling the resolve of their peers to take a stand.
The immediate next day on June 27, another group of students’ demands reverberated throughout the Afzalpur Bus Stand, as impassioned voices from Hinchgera, Kesapur, and Kolnur Villages joined the chorus. Their primary objective: the addition of more buses and bus stops to ensure smooth transportation, facilitating their daily journey to school.
Frustrated by the plight of their education being compromised, the students pointed out that although a few buses serve their villages, they do not stop at designated bus stops due to the overwhelming number of women passengers taking advantage of the ‘Shakti’ scheme.
The students’ predicament is further aggravated by the absence of educational institutions in their own villages, which forces them to travel to Afzalpur. The unity among students and villagers was palpable as they rallied together, demanding timely and efficient bus connectivity to their respective villages.
The ‘Shakti’ scheme has garnered an impressive response, with over 8.2 crore women availing themselves of government buses since its launch on June 11. However, the consequence of overcrowding and limited bus availability has had an adverse impact on students, obstructing their travel to schools.
The student-led demonstrations in Kalaburagi shed light on the pivotal role transportation plays in providing unimpeded access to education. Particularly affected are the students, caught in the throes of a distressing predicament due to inadequate transportation options. These persistent disruptions underscore the necessity of implementing enduring and sustainable measures that prioritize the needs of the student community.
As the echoes of the protests reverberate and the students’ collective voice grows stronger, the government faces mounting pressure to address the issue and safeguard the educational aspirations of Kalaburagi’s youth. The outcome of these demonstrations remains uncertain, but their impact on driving change in the transportation system will undoubtedly shape the future of education accessibility in the region.