Students Risk Lives for Education in Madhya Pradesh Village
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has initiated action following alarming reports of school children in Kakraua village, Madhya Pradesh, risking their lives to cross the Betwa River. They are using the exposed pillars of a check dam as a precarious bridge to reach school, reducing their travel distance from 13 kilometers by road to just 1.5 kilometers. This hazardous trek is taken daily by nine students, including five girls, who face serious dangers each day.
The NHRC has expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that if the claims are accurate, they represent a significant breach of human rights. Article 21A of the Indian Constitution assures children aged 6 to 14 access to free and compulsory education, a principle that is further reinforced by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Moreover, the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Avinash Mehrotra v. Union of India (2009) established that the right to education includes the right to a safe environment and suitable infrastructure for learning.
The NHRC declared that the lack of safe transportation options for students effectively undermines their fundamental right to education with dignity. In response, the Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, requiring a detailed report within two weeks regarding the situation.
A media report from August 4, 2026, highlighted the issue, showing a viral video that depicts children precariously navigating the check dam pillars. Villagers have voiced their frustration, stating they cannot take their children to a distant school due to their agricultural commitments. Families are caught in a difficult decision: either stop sending their children to school or continue risking their safety.
The situation has already had dire consequences; one student reportedly failed her final exams after being unable to cross the pillars due to her short stature. Interventions have been made, as the District Education Officer has visited the site and communicated the urgent matter to the District Collector. However, there is currently no timeline established for constructing a safe passage for the children.
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