By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 13: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Tuesday strongly condemned the decision of the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) to discontinue bus services for students with effect from April 1, terming the move “regressive, insensitive and anti-student.”
In a statement, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said the abrupt withdrawal of student bus services would severely impact thousands of school-going children and their families across the state, particularly those from economically weaker sections who depend on MTC buses as a safe and affordable mode of transport.
“The decision reflects a complete disregard for students’ safety, access to education and public welfare,” the HYC said, adding that for many families, student bus services are not a convenience but a lifeline that ensures children can attend school safely and regularly.
Synrem questioned how a public sector undertaking entrusted with serving the people could take such a decision without placing before the public any credible alternative transport arrangement.
He warned that forcing students to rely on overcrowded private vehicles, unsafe informal transport or long walking distances would expose them to serious safety risks and financial hardship.
Stating that education should not suffer due to administrative or financial mismanagement, the HYC asserted that the responsibility to address operational challenges lies with the government and the MTC, not with students and parents.
The HYC president demanded immediate reconsideration and withdrawal of the decision, continuation of student bus services until a safe, affordable and publicly acceptable alternative is put in place, and transparent consultations with stakeholders, including parents, schools and civil society organisations. “Public transport exists to serve the people, not to abandon them,” the HYC said, warning that it would be compelled to launch strong democratic and public action if the authorities fail to reverse the decision, in defence of students’ rights and public interest.
