'School on wheels': Gujarat converts 28 retired buses into mobile classrooms for children in salt-producing regions
Gandhinagar, June 23
Twenty-eight retired state transport buses converted into solar-powered mobile classrooms were flagged off from Gandhinagar on Tuesday as part of a new initiative aimed at providing uninterrupted education to children of Agariya families living and working in Gujarat's remote salt-producing regions.
The buses, launched under the state's newly introduced "School on Wheels" programme known as Ranshala, will serve children from migrant Agariya communities in Surendranagar, Patan, Kutch and Morbi districts, where seasonal migration often disrupts schooling.
The launch coincided with the start of the statewide 'Shala Praveshotsav' (school enrolment drive). Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi formally inaugurated the 28 buses at the Pathikashram ST Depot in Gandhinagar.
Addressing the event, Sanghavi said the initiative demonstrated how unused Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses could be repurposed for public benefit.
"While Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched the statewide Shala Praveshotsav from Vadnagar, Gujarat ST has presented an excellent example of how its unused buses can be put to the best possible use through the Ranshala initiative in Agariya areas," he said.
He said the buses would travel from Gandhinagar to Agariya settlements in the four districts and described the project as a unique model for delivering education directly to children living in remote desert areas.
"The Ranshala is a very unique model. More than 20 children can study inside each bus, which is equipped with television and Dish TV facilities powered by solar energy. These children will also be able to benefit from online classes run by the Gujarat Government," Sanghavi said.
He added that children of families engaged in salt production in desert regions would no longer need to travel long distances to access education, as lessons would be conducted within the mobile classrooms.
"These buses, which were previously lying unused, have now been transformed into excellent classrooms. More such buses will be prepared in the future so that not a single child living in remote areas is deprived of education," he said.
The project has been implemented jointly by 'Samagra Shiksha' campaign, the Education Department and GSRTC to address educational challenges faced by children aged between six and 14 from families that seasonally migrate to salt-producing regions.
Each mobile classroom has been created by converting a retired GSRTC bus into an educational facility equipped with a 3.8 KVA off-grid solar power plant capable of operating for up to 48 hours without an electricity connection.
The buses contain 43-inch smart televisions, educational channels through Dish TV connectivity, FM radio, digital clocks, LED lighting, wall fans and learning aids designed to support both online and offline education.
To help children to study in harsh desert conditions, the buses have been fitted with portable study tables and seating, foldable outdoor shade nets, detachable blackboards and whiteboards, notice boards, purified drinking water systems, wash basins, water storage tanks, dedicated teacher cabins and library space.
The mobile classrooms also include recreational facilities such as Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, model clocks for teaching time concepts, swings, slides and basketball equipment.
Health-monitoring facilities include digital weighing scales, height measurement systems and BMI charts. Safety and hygiene features include emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, dustbins and sanitisation kits.
Educational graphics, artwork, national symbols and learning displays have also been installed inside and outside the vehicles.
Officials said the initiative is intended to reduce school dropout rates among children in Agariya and desert communities and minimise disruptions to education caused by seasonal migration by bringing classrooms directly to where families live and work.
Of the 28 buses deployed under the programme, 20 have been allocated to Patdi taluka in Surendranagar district, four to Santalpur in Patan district, two to Anjar in Kutch district and two to Malia in Morbi district.
Following the inauguration, Sanghavi inspected the buses and congratulated the artisans and officials involved in their development.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Very innovative! But I wonder about the long-term sustainability—who will maintain these buses once they are deployed in remote desert areas? The government needs to ensure regular servicing and teacher availability. Also, having games like Ludo and Snakes & Ladders is nice, but I hope the focus remains on quality learning materials. Let's see how this works on the ground.
As someone who works in education policy overseas, this is a remarkable example of creative resource management. Converting unused buses into mobile classrooms with solar power and health facilities addresses multiple challenges—transport, energy access, and educational equity. I'm genuinely impressed by the holistic approach, especially the BMI tracking and first-aid kits. More countries should take note!
Finally, something meaningful for the Agariya community! My grandparents used to work in the salt pans, and they always told me how children had to walk miles to reach any school. This 'School on Wheels' is a great step, but let's not forget that these families need better housing and healthcare too. Education alone can't solve all their problems. Still, well done Gujarat government! 👏
I'm a teacher from the US, and this puts our own mobile classroom efforts to shame! The detailed specs—43-inch TVs, solar panels lasting 48 hours, foldable shade nets, even purified water—show real thought about the desert environment. My only concern is internet connectivity in remote areas for the online classes. Satellite-based solutions might be needed in some places. Kudos to the team though!
Good initiative, but why only 28 buses for four districts?
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