A new criteria has been announced for transport assistance or bus fare vouchers for all eligible students from 2016.
Education Minister Dr. Mahendra Reddy says the primary reason for this is to curb abuse of the bus voucher system.
He says some parents are trying to send their children to schools other than the one nearest to their home – and are asking for subsidies.
‘we are saying look if there’s a school closer to your home then as far as we are concerned if you choose to send your children to some other school we will only give you for stage one, you fund it yourself the remaining’.
The ministry also found students living within walking distance of their schools selling off bus vouchers.
Dr. Reddy says a survey at the beginning of the year found that they could significantly reduce the payout, and reduce wastage of public funds.
The new criteria comes into effect with the start of Term 1 in 2016.
