The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports showing schoolchildren in Vidisha district, Madhya Pradesh, risking their lives by jumping across the concrete pillars of a check dam on the Betwa River to reach school. Calling the matter extremely serious, the Commission has issued a notice to the state's Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report within two weeks on the steps taken to ensure the children's safety and uninterrupted education.
According to reports, children from Kakraua village use the hazardous route because it reduces their daily journey from nearly 13 kilometres by road to about 1.5 kilometres. Videos of children leaping from one concrete pillar to another have raised widespread concern over their safety and the lack of a secure crossing.
The NHRC observed that if the reported facts are accurate, the situation may amount to a violation of the children's fundamental right to education and to live with dignity under Article 21A of the Constitution and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The Commission has asked the state government to explain the measures being taken to safeguard the children and ensure they can attend school without risking their lives.
The issue has also come under the scrutiny of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had earlier sought an action plan from the state government. While the education department has reportedly upgraded the village school to a high school and appointed additional teachers, local residents continue to demand the construction of a permanent bridge across the Betwa River to provide safe access for students.
Key Highlights
- NHRC has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government over the unsafe route used by schoolchildren in Vidisha.
- Children from Kakraua village reportedly jump across a check dam on the Betwa River to reach school.
- The dangerous route reduces travel distance from 13 km to about 1.5 km.
- NHRC has sought a detailed report from the Chief Secretary within two weeks.
- The Commission cited possible violations of Article 21A and the Right to Education Act, 2009.
- Residents continue to demand a permanent bridge to ensure safe access to school.
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