Mon Jun 30 19:22:35 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Government Higher Secondary School for Girls in Ernakulam, Kochi, is facing a persistent problem of private buses stopping directly in front of the school entrance, blocking access for students and parents. Despite numerous appeals to authorities and bus operators, buses continue to ignore the designated stop a short distance away. This has led to accidents and inconvenience, prompting protests from parents who demand buses be restricted from stopping in front of the school during peak hours.

**News Article:**

**Buses Blocking School Entrance Spark Parent Protests in Ernakulam**

**KOCHI, July 1, 2025** – Students and parents of the Government Higher Secondary School for Girls in Ernakulam are again facing significant disruption due to private buses routinely blocking the school’s main entrance. Despite a designated bus stop just 50 meters away, buses continue to halt directly in front of the school, creating access issues and safety concerns.

Parents say the problem has persisted for years, despite numerous complaints filed with local authorities, including the District Collector and city traffic police. According to reports, bus operators even remove barricades placed to deter them. Frustration boiled over on Monday, June 30, when parents staged a protest after a student on a bicycle fell while trying to navigate around a bus blocking the school gate.

“The two bus shelters at the designated stop are now occupied by stray dogs, while passengers wait in front of the school,” said Arun Sekhar, a parent and protest organizer. “Restricting buses from halting in front of the school during peak school hours will resolve the problem to a large extent.”

This is not the first time the school community has protested. In October 2024, another demonstration occurred following an accident in which a student and her father were injured after being hit by a speeding bus in front of the school.

While police intervened and directed buses to use the designated stop on Monday, PTA president Sumi Joy Oliapuram stated that the problem persists despite repeated appeals. Parents are demanding immediate action to ensure the safety and accessibility of the school for all students.

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