Gadag
Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil has taken cognizance of the challenges faced by students in Gadag district due to the absence of proper bus facilities for commuting to schools and colleges. The Lokayukta has registered a case of self-motivation (Sumoto) in response to a press report highlighting the difficulties encountered by students in accessing education. Expressing concern over the lack of necessary transportation facilities, Justice B.S. Patil criticized the concerned department for not fulfilling its responsibility to provide adequate transportation options, thereby affecting students’ right to education. The issue has gained attention amid reports of students facing difficulties and overcrowded buses, leading to injuries in various parts of the state. Justice B.S. Patil emphasized that students should not be put in a position where they risk their lives while traveling to educational institutions. Referring to the protests at Puttaraja bus station, where students demanded proper bus arrangements, the Lokayukta noted that despite the demands, the transport department failed to respond adequately. Highlighting the significance of the Free and Compulsory Education Act enacted by the Central Government in 2009, Justice B.S. Patil stated that it is the government’s duty to ensure the provision of necessary facilities for students to pursue their education without unnecessary hardships. The order directs the Transport Department to fulfill its obligation by providing bus facilities in line with the students’ demands. The KSRTC Managing Director, Gadag District Collector, Gadag Divisional Controlling Officer, and Gadag RTO have been instructed to conduct a thorough review of the issue and submit a report within four weeks. The Lokayukta’s intervention aims to address the pressing issue and safeguard students’ right to education in the district.
