The Palli Kalvi Paadhukaappu Iyakkam has urged the Coimbatore District Collector to introduce bus services for students from Pothiyampalayam and neighbouring villages in Narayanapuram panchayat of Annur block, citing inadequate public transport and its impact on education.

In a petition, the organisation said around 200 school and college students from Pothiyampalayam, Ayothidasar Kudiyiruppu and nearby habitations had to travel nearly three kilometres to reach the nearest bus stop on the Thennampalayam–Vagarayampalayam road. It alleged that buses were either infrequent or unavailable during school and college hours, resulting in irregular attendance and student dropouts.

The organisation said the lack of bus connectivity had affected access to middle, high and higher secondary schools, polytechnic institutions, vocational courses and colleges. It added that many parents, who were daily wage labourers, were unable to accompany their children to educational institutions, while some girls who should be studying in Class XII had taken up work due to transport difficulties and safety concerns.

Citing the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, the organisation urged the district administration to introduce bus services from Pothiyampalayam and neighbouring villages to Vagarayampalayam, Arasur and Peelamedu from the current academic year. It also pointed out that transport-related student dropouts had been discussed at a recent review meeting chaired by the District Collector.