School bus operators across Chhattisgarh, particularly in Raipur, Bhilai-Durg and Bilaspur, have decided to increase transportation charges by 15–20% from this month following the reopening of schools. The operators have cited rising operational expenses, soaring diesel prices and a lack of financial support from the government as the primary reasons for the hike. Several schools have already informed parents about the increase in bus fares. Prakash Desh, General Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Private Bus Association and a provider of school transport services to various schools, said the fare revision has become unavoidable. “The main reasons behind the 15–20% increase are rising fuel costs, higher salaries for drivers and attendants, increasing maintenance and repair expenses, costly spare parts, higher insurance premiums and permit fees, as well as the financial burden of e-challans and penalties,” he said. The association also pointed to overall inflation as a major factor contributing to the fare hike. It has once again appealed to the government to intervene and provide support to the school transport sector.

 

However, the increase is adding to the financial burden on parents, many of whom are already struggling with higher tuition fees and other school-related expenses. Some parents say the rising cost of education is forcing them to consider shifting their children from CBSE-affiliated schools to state board institutions. “The government should treat school transportation as a separate sector and provide rebates or financial assistance to school bus operators. This would help prevent additional costs from being passed on to parents, who are already burdened by rising school fees and other educational expenses,” said Reeta Dev, a parent. “Schools have already increased tuition fees, development charges and computer fees. In such a situation, the hike in bus fares is making it difficult for families to manage their household budgets. I have decided to shift my son from a reputed CBSE school to a state board school, where both the fee structure and transportation charges are much lower,” said another parent, Harish Dewangan.