New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about school students from Kakraua village in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district allegedly risking their lives by hopping across exposed check dam pillars to cross the Betwa River and reach school.
According to the report, the students use the dangerous route because it reduces their journey from around 13 km by road to just 1.5 km. As many as nine students, including five girls, reportedly cross the river this way every day.
NHRC Raises Right to Education Concerns
The NHRC observed that the reported absence of a safe mode of transport for the children raises serious human rights concerns. The Commission noted that:
- Article 21A of the Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education for children between six and 14 years of age.
- Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which recognises education as a right for children in the same age group.
- The Commission further cited the Supreme Court’s judgment in Avinash Mehrotra v. Union of India (2009), which held that the Right to Education includes the right to a safe school and safe infrastructure.
Read Also: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Holds Key Meetings in Delhi, Discusses Development and Governance
Based on these considerations, the NHRC observed that the lack of a safe mode of transport for the children to reach school amounts to a negation of their fundamental right to education with dignity.
Notice Issued to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary
Following the report, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
The Commission’s intervention follows a media report published on August 4, 2026, which highlighted the risks faced by the students while crossing the river.
Students Reportedly Cross Exposed Check Dam Pillars
According to the media report, a video showing the children perilously crossing wide gaps between exposed check dam pillars has gone viral on social media.
The villagers reportedly said they are unable to accompany their children to a distant school because they have to work in the fields. This leaves families with limited options, with some reportedly facing the choice of either stopping their children from attending school or allowing them to continue using the dangerous route.
The report also stated that one student failed her final examinations after missing school because she could not cross the pillars due to her short height.
District Officials Visit the Site
The District Education Officer has reportedly visited the location and informed the District Collector about the issue.
However, according to the NHRC release, no timeline has been mentioned for construction of a safe passage across the river.
The NHRC’s notice now seeks a detailed response from the Madhya Pradesh government on the circumstances surrounding the students’ access to school and the measures being taken to ensure their safety and access to education.
Read Also: NHRC Seeks Report from Punjab Chief Secretary, DGP Over Barnala Lathicharge on Sanitation Workers
