(1) The areas or limits of neighbourhood within which a school has to be established by the Government of Puducherry/Local Authority shall be as under:
(a) In respect of children in classes from I to V, a school shall be established within a walkable distance of one kilometre of the neighbourhood;
(b) In respect of children in classes from VI to VIII, a school shall be established within a walkable distance of three kilometres of the neighbourhood.
(2) Wherever required, the Government of Puducherry shall upgrade existing schools with classes from I to V to include classes from VI to VIII.
(3) For children from small hamlets as identified by the Government of Puducherry or the Local Authority, where no school exists within the area or limits of neighbourhood specified under sub-rule (1), the Government of Puducherry or the Local Authority shall make adequate arrangements, such as free transportation and other facilities, for providing elementary education in a school, in relaxation of the area limits specified in the said sub-rule.
(4) In areas with high population density, the Government of Puducherry or the Local Authority may consider establishment of more than one neighbourhood school, having regard to the number of children in the age group of 6-14 years in such areas.
(5) The Government of Puducherry or the Local Authority shall identify the neighbourhood school(s) where children can be admitted and make such information public for each habitation.
(6) In respect of children with special needs, whose disability prevent them from accessing school, the Government of Puducherry or the Local Authority shall make appropriate and safe transportation arrangements for them to attend school and complete elementary education.
321PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT
(7) The Government of Puducherry or the Local Authority shall ensure that access of children to the school is not hindered on account of social and cultural factors.