In the Vidisha District of Madhya Pradesh several concrete pillars exist across a check dam on Betwa River. To avoid a longer route to the school, the children of Kakraua village walk and jump over the pillars to reach the other side, with the river raging below. On the social media a video has gone viral of this dangerous action. Kakraua has a school till 8th standard while the nearest school with 10th standard is 13 km away. By crossing the dam, the distance reduces by 11.5 km. Daily, nine children (five girls in 9th standard) jump over ten pillars that are 3-4 feet apart. After a news report on Aug 4, the district education officer visited the site, informed the collector and wrote to higher authorities to find a solution. On Aug 5, the High Court (Jabalpur bench) sought a report and issued notices to the Chief secretary and others. Now the govt has provisionally upgraded the school to a high school, appointed two teachers, installed barricades on both sides of the dam, and deputed watchmen. Unless betis are safe and provided basic facilities, how can they be educated?
SRIDHAR D IYER, Caranzalem
