Date:09/06/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/06/09/stories/2003060905640400.htm

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Semmalai justifies withdrawal of free bus pass

By Our Staff Reporter

SALEM JUNE 8. The Education Minister, S. Semmalai, said the Government is not morally bound to bear expenditure for affluent students studying in private schools of star status.

Slamming parties, which criticised the Government's recent decision of restructuring student bus pass scheme, Mr. Semmalai, participating in a function today at Theevattipatti in his Omalur constituency, said the Government never shied away from providing security to students from the lower strata of the society, particularly in rural areas. "When there is a Government High and Higher Secondary School in every 1.5 km radius, why should we bear transport expenses for affluent students studying in self-financing institutions?

The Government would never deny free bus passes to children studying in government and government-aided educational institutions. Accusing the DMK chief, M. Karunanidhi, and the PMK leader, S. Ramadoss, for indulging in a smear campaign against the Government, Mr. Semmalai stated that the Chief Minister accorded top most priority to education.