Goa govt to give annual grant under Bal Rath Scheme

The Goa government has modified its flagship scheme allotting school buses to various institutions by providing them annual grant instead of the earlier system of awarding monthly remunerations.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters schools in urban area would be given a grant of Rs 3.10 lakh annually whereas schools in rural areas will receive grant of Rs 3.20 lakh under the 'Gomant Bal Rath scheme'.
"The schools will have to borne expenses on maintenance of bus, fuel, apart from the salary of driver and attendant," Parrikar said.
The decision was taken as the state education department had been inundated with complaints of non-payment of salary to bus staff, resulting in discontinuation of services which inconvenienced students.

"The schools will have to keep minimum Rs one lakh in their bank account which would be like a surety that they will pay salary of drivers and attendants," the CM said.
Buses under the 'Bal Rath scheme' would be phased out gradually and replaced with the buses procured by unemployed youths.
"This will help youths in earning livelihood," Parrikar said, adding, that the schools would be given an option to choose between the buses procured by unemployed youth and those operated by private transporters.