Oman’s Education Ministry clarifies demands of school bus owners

Muscat: The Ministry of Education published an explanation about the demands of school bus owners, confirming that they followed up with interest and appreciation for the demands submitted by a number of school bus owners on 9/6/2020, especially those related to the disbursement of bus fares during the suspension period for students for the months of September and October of 2020.

And in light of the continuing repercussions of the negative effects of the Corona pandemic (Covid 19), especially those related to social and economic aspects for all segments of society.

The Ministry expressed its appreciation for all the demands raised by the groups most affected by society from the consequences of the pandemic, and to discuss the matter with the Supreme Committee in charge of discussing the mechanism of dealing with developments resulting from the spread of the Corona virus (Covid 19) and other concerned authorities.

And she emphasized that she was not reluctant to take all measures that would support the various segments associated with her work in the Ministry, according to the financial resources and capabilities available to her.

The Ministry indicated that, based on this principle, during the suspension period of the study from 3/15/2020 AD to 6/22/2020 AD, the Ministry spent more than 24 million Omani Rials for school bus owners without operating the service, taking into account these aspects and mitigating the damages caused by the pandemic on that category. And the rest of society.

She added: Despite the continuing financial situation that is not hidden by anyone, the Ministry continues to support the owners of school buses according to their available financial capabilities, by taking the necessary measures towards paying the wages of more than (17,000) school buses, in accordance with the provisions of the clauses. The contract for renting the school transportation, which is renewed annually, so that it starts with the beginning of the students’ school hours, and continues until the end of the school year, and the monthly bus fees are paid for a period of ten months.