New Delhi, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that dozens of schoolchildren in Chhattisgarh’s Gariyaband district are being forced to cross a river using a narrow and slippery iron ladder fixed to an unfinished bridge to reach their schools.
The NHRC, observing that the reported circumstances, if true, raise serious concerns over violation of human rights, has issued a notice to the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
According to the media report cited by the commission, children from Khambhatha and nearby settlements in Mainpur Block have to climb an iron ladder attached to an incomplete bridge to cross the Pairi river and attend school.
The report said the river, which remains shallow under normal conditions, turns into a torrent during the monsoon, making the crossing particularly dangerous for schoolchildren.
The reported 300-metre-long bridge between Deharguda and Khambhatha has been under construction for nearly six years. Villagers were reportedly assured about a year ago that the project would be completed within six months. However, the bridge remains unfinished, leaving students and local residents dependent on the hazardous route.
The NHRC said the reported situation warrants examination from the perspective of the rights to life, liberty, equality and dignity.
Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC is an autonomous statutory body mandated to promote and protect human rights guaranteed under the Constitution or embodied in international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
The commission can take suo motu action based on media reports, publicly available information or other sources, without requiring a formal complaint regarding an alleged human rights violation.
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