Gurgaon: The normality wheel may have begun to roll again but those who will transport Rashmi Patel returned to the learning chair still clogged.
Rashmi was seventeen years old glowing happily when he heard that the government had let second-school open from July 16.
This is the last year of school for a 12th grade girl and she doesn’t want to miss catching up with her friends.
However, the excitement was only for a few minutes.
Someone reminded him that the only bus service between houses and his school was still suspended since last year’s lock.
“I’m very happy to go back to school.
This is my last year there and I don’t want to attend class from home.
The only bus service between Rajendra Park (where he lives with his parents) and my school hasn’t been restored.
The government must think about Basic transportation before reopening the school, “said Rashmi, a senior high school student Jacobpura.
Rashmi and a dozen of his classmates had taken their old demand for the bus service to the deputy commissioner and asked him to ensure a number of public transportation for the area.
“We have given a letter to the Deputy Commissioner and asked him to help us.
The last time, when the school has been open, we face great difficulties for our class.
Safe transportation is very important for girls like us.
That’s right,” said Monika, “said Monika,” said Monika Rashmi classmates.
The request to continue the bus service at Rajendra Park has led for almost six months now.
In January this year, TOI has reported about the fate of around 100 female students from areas that have grappled with a lack of public transportation to reach their school.
They have submitted a memorandum to Haryana Roadways.
Six months, there are no actions taken at their request.
When repeated appeal fell on deaf ears, their girls and parents approached BJP Mla Sudhir Singla and Badshahpur legislators Rakesh Daultabad to seek political assistance.
But a little has moved since then.
While some bring a high cost to drive a personal automatic rickshaw, most have to walk 3 km to the next bus stop.
“On the Roadways bus, it only requires RS 20 to reach our school from home.
Auto sharing or personal imposes anything between Rs 40 and Rs 60 for the same trip.
For us, it’s a big amount.
In addition, our parents don’t trust Private transportation.
It becomes difficult for us to convince them to send us to school every day, “said Rashmi.
Highway officials said it was for the transportation department to continue service at Rajendra Park.
This area is now under the services of GMCBL, which keeps the city bus network.
The highway has continued a letter by girls to GMCBL.
GMBCL officials ensure student requests will be checked.
“We have also received requests from deputy commissioners.
We are looking for the feasibility of operating the bus service on the route.
We will immediately receive this call,” said Anju Chaudhary, CEO of GMCBL.