Bus service for differently abled students suspended

FAISALABAD:  

Due to funds not being released, the bus service at several schools for the differently-abled has been suspended indefinitely, Express News reported.

Out of a total of 16 schools in the district, the bus service at eight schools has been suspended while the remaining will suspend the service during the week if funds are not issued. Scores of differently-abled children in the district have been robbed of the only means of transport to go to school. As a result, many have stopped attending classes.

Reportedly, the budget for the Special Education Department was supposed to be issued in July 2018. However, the district administration has failed to release the funds even though it is January 2019. This has created many issues for the department.

Most importantly, the department is unable to purchase fuel to operate the bus service at schools for the differently abled. Previously, the department was borrowing diesel in order to operate the buses. However, petrol pump owners have put their foot down and have refused to loan anymore fuel. As a result, the bus service at eight schools has been suspended.

According to the law, providing differently abled students with free transport is mandatory for all special education schools. According to a source, the bus service has been suspended indefinitely at Government Boys Higher Secondary School for Special Education on Jaranwala Road, Government Girls Higher Secondary School for Special Education in Peoples Colony, Government Special Education Centre in Iqbal Town, Government Special Education Centre in Sammundri, Government Special Education Centre in Jaranwala, Government Special Education Centre in Tandlianwala, Government Special Education Centre in Mamunkanjan and Government Special Education Centre in Bachiana.