In Rajya Sabha , the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey replying to an un-starred question of Dr Bhagwat Karad today said that the State Government has reported that the information about school-going children cross a river using tree branches is partially true; the children are using Non-Plan Roads which doesn't come under Public Works Department, for shorter distances to go to school. People live in small padas in the area, where access to road at certain stretches is not available currently. But there is road network of State Highway, Major District Road, Other District Road and Village Road available at other stretches in Nandurbar district of Maharashtra.

The survey is on-going to find out the villages which cut off during rainy season due to floods in local nallas and river. By identifying these location District Administration is proposing Light Road Bridge (SAKAV) on that location and children have to cross river or local nallas. Till now 51 SAKAV has been proposed in the district where safe access for the school is not available. The Light Road Bridge (SAKAV) construction will be proposed through District Planning Committee.

Under EMRS Scheme, the Ministry does not have any provision for bridge construction or transport support. However, State Government has stated that by identifying these location, District Administration is proposing Light Road Bridge (SAKAV) on that location. So far in budget year 2025-26, the State Government has submitted construction proposal for 51 Light Road Bridges (SAKAV) to District Planning Committee for Administrative approval.

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(Release ID: 2153036)