When students have to walk nearly 180 km to demand better hostels, food and basic facilities, the distance they cover is only part of the story. The bigger distance is the one between government promises of inclusive education and the reality experienced by many tribal students. A hostel student should be worrying about an examination, not whether the next meal will be adequate or whether the place they sleep is safe and dignified. Protests may bring temporary attention, but the real solution lies in regular inspections, transparent monitoring and accountability for residential schools and hostels. Education cannot be called inclusive if a child has to fight for the basic conditions needed to receive it.
KR GAGAN, Vasco
