Wheels of Change: Government’s Transport Initiative Revives Enrolment in Tribal Schools of Erode and Salem

A Milestone Initiative Bringing Classrooms Closer to Hillside Hamlets

In a remarkable step towards improving access to education among tribal communities, the Tamil Nadu government’s initiative to provide vehicles for tribal school transportation has already begun showing tangible results. Within just a week of introducing the service, seventeen new students enrolled and twenty dropouts rejoined classes in four tribal schools located within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Erode district.

The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, aims to address one of the most persistent barriers to education in remote tribal regions — unsafe and inaccessible routes. The effort symbolizes how strategic interventions in logistics can reshape the educational landscape for children living in India’s hilly and forested terrains.

The Launch: Vehicles to Bridge the Distance Between Homes and Schools

On October 6, 2025, Chief Minister Stalin flagged off a fleet of 23 jeeps and three vans, procured at a total cost of ₹3.6 crore, to serve tribal schools across six districts — Salem, Dharmapuri, Tiruchirappalli, Kallakurichi, Erode, and the Nilgiris.

The vehicles were funded jointly through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from corporate partners and the state government’s education budget. The underlying objective is to curb dropout rates among tribal students who often struggle to attend school due to long, treacherous mountain paths and threats posed by wild animals in forested areas.

While private charitable organizations have taken charge of vehicle maintenance, the state government has committed to covering fuel expenses and driver salaries, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.

Connecting Remote Hamlets: The Erode Model

In Erode district, four vehicles now operate daily, covering clusters of remote hill villages and ensuring children reach schools safely and on time. These routes cater to diverse and widely scattered tribal communities:

• One vehicle transports 35 students from Moolaiyur, Durusanampalayam, Pijilpalayam, and Pannathur.
• The second carries 48 pupils from Gianthotti, Paraiyur, Kettikodu, and Kongadai.
• The third serves 45 children from Puduthotti, Central Thotti, Old Hasanur, and Anna Nagar.
• The fourth vehicle conveys 50 students from Kali Thimbam, Mavanatham, Ittarai, Ramaranai, Thottamalai, and Kodipuram.

Together, these vehicles enable 178 students to commute daily to schools in Thalamalai, Bargur, Kongadai, and Hasanur within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.

According to Sudar Natraj, organizer of the Sudar Charitable Organization, which supports the implementation in Erode,

“A total of 178 students now travel on these four vehicles to reach schools across STR. The initiative has given these children a new lease on education, especially those who had discontinued due to safety concerns.”

Students Returning with Renewed Hope

For many children, the arrival of the vehicles has turned the once-distant dream of education into a reachable reality.

M. Velliangiri, a student from Kongadai, shared his experience:

“My father is mentally challenged, and my mother works as a daily wage labourer. I live with my grandparents. I had to stop studying after Class 5 because of the long walk and fear of wild animals. Now, I’m back in school, and I’m so happy to continue my studies again.”

His story reflects that of many tribal students who previously faced insurmountable barriers — geographical isolation, poverty, and safety threats — that forced them to drop out despite their desire to learn.

Parents Welcome the Initiative with Relief

For parents living in remote hamlets, the new transportation system has provided much-needed peace of mind. S. Kempe, a resident of Bargur hill village, expressed her gratitude:

“Our village is deep inside the forest, and wild animals are often active around our homes. We were afraid to let our children walk alone to school. My daughter, Lokeswari, is in Class 4, and my son, Dakshit, is in Class 1. Thanks to this initiative, they can now attend school safely every day.”

Such testimonials underscore the direct impact of accessibility on educational continuity. The provision of vehicles has effectively removed a significant deterrent for parents — the fear for their children’s safety during the daily commute.

Expanding the Model: Salem’s Success Story

The initiative has also made strides in Salem district, where 142 tribal students now use the newly introduced transport services to reach Thekkampattu Government School, located atop the Chinna Kalvarayan Hills in Vazhapadi taluk.

These students previously faced daunting challenges — steep terrain, long walking distances, and unpredictable weather conditions — all of which often kept them away from school. The vehicles have transformed their daily routine, ensuring regular attendance and re-establishing education as a consistent part of their lives.

Corporate and Community Collaboration

What makes this initiative particularly impactful is the collaborative approach between the government, corporate donors, and charitable organizations. While CSR funds have played a vital role in purchasing vehicles, community-based organizations like the Sudar Charitable Organization are ensuring efficient coordination, maintenance, and feedback from ground-level beneficiaries.

This public-private partnership model ensures that the initiative remains sustainable and community-driven, reflecting a scalable template for other states aiming to improve educational access in rural and tribal regions.

Bridging Gaps in Tribal Education

The transport initiative represents more than a logistical intervention — it is a catalyst for social inclusion. By addressing the fundamental issue of access, it tackles one of the root causes of dropout rates among tribal children: the physical disconnect between homes and schools.

Experts believe that consistent access to education will also contribute to higher literacy rates, improved learning outcomes, and better social mobility among these marginalized communities in the long run.

Furthermore, the initiative reinforces the Tamil Nadu government’s broader commitment to educational equity, ensuring that geography and circumstance do not determine a child’s future.

A Step Towards Inclusive Growth

The enrolment surge in Erode and Salem following the introduction of school transport vehicles is a testament to how targeted government policies can transform lives. With 37 students already returning to classrooms in Erode and over 140 benefitting in Salem, the numbers speak for themselves — mobility can indeed drive education.

By bringing schools closer to children — both physically and metaphorically — Tamil Nadu is paving the way for inclusive, safe, and sustainable education in its most remote corners.