Gujarat launches ‘School on Wheels’ initiative for Agariya learners

In a major step towards promoting inclusive education, the Gujarat government has launched the “School on Wheels” initiative to ensure uninterrupted learning opportunities for children of Agariya families living and working in remote salt pan regions of the state.The initiative, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, coincided with the state-wide launch of the ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ programme. The project was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi at the Pathikashram ST Depot in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.

Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi launched the School Praveshotsav campaign and flagged off 28 'School on Wheels' buses. The GSRTC initiative will provide mobile classroom facilities and digital learning resources to children in remote Agariya and rural… pic.twitter.com/jGLNQBsrMc

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Implemented under the Samagra Shiksha programme in collaboration with the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and the Education Department, the initiative aims to address educational challenges faced by children aged 6 to 14 years whose families migrate seasonally to salt-producing regions.Under the project, a total of 28 specially designed “School on Wheels” vehicles have been developed to function as fully equipped mobile classrooms. These mobile schools will bring education directly to children in remote areas, reducing learning disruptions caused by seasonal migration.

The specially designed classrooms have been created by converting retired GSRTC buses into modern learning spaces. Each bus is equipped with a 3.8 KVA off-grid solar power system, allowing operations for up to 48 hours without electricity connectivity.The solar-powered mobile classrooms feature smart televisions, educational channels through Dish TV connectivity, FM radios, digital clocks, LED lighting systems, wall fans and various learning aids to support both digital and traditional learning methods.
To provide a comfortable learning environment in challenging climatic conditions, the buses include portable study tables, seating arrangements, foldable outdoor shades, detachable blackboards and whiteboards, notice boards, drinking water facilities, wash basins, water storage tanks, teacher cabins and dedicated library spaces.The initiative also focuses on the overall development of children by incorporating indoor and outdoor recreational facilities such as ludo, snakes and ladders, model clocks, swings, slides and basketball setups. Health monitoring facilities, including digital weighing machines, height measurement systems and BMI charts, have also been added.

Special emphasis has been placed on safety and hygiene, with each bus equipped with emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, dustbins and sanitation kits. Educational graphics, artwork, national symbols and learning-based visual displays have been installed to create an engaging classroom atmosphere.The Gujarat government expects the initiative to significantly improve school access and attendance among children in salt pan regions, where migration often leads to irregular schooling and dropouts.

(State Correspondent)