MP Schoolchildren Risk Lives Crossing Betwa River, NHRC Seeks Report

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about schoolchildren in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district allegedly risking their lives while crossing the Betwa River to attend school.

The students from Kakraua village reportedly cross the river by hopping across exposed pillars of a check dam, navigating wide gaps between the structures. The dangerous route is used by the children because it reduces their journey from around 13 km by road to just 1.5 km.

According to the report, nine students, including five girls, undertake the perilous crossing every day to reach their school. The NHRC observed that the reported circumstances, if true, raise serious concerns regarding the children’s fundamental rights and safety.

The Commission noted that Article 21A of the Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged six to 14 years. It also referred to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and a 2009 Supreme Court judgment which held that the right to education includes the right to a safe school and safe infrastructure.

The NHRC said the absence of a safe means of reaching school effectively amounts to a denial of the right to education with dignity. It has therefore issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The issue came to light after a video showing students dangerously crossing the exposed check-dam pillars reportedly went viral on social media. Villagers said they face difficulties accompanying their children because they have to work in the fields, leaving families with limited options.

A student also reportedly failed her final examinations after missing school because she was unable to cross the pillars due to her short height.

The District Education Officer has visited the site and informed the District Collector. However, no timeline for constructing a safe passage across the river has yet been specified.