New Delhi/Bhopal, August 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of two separate incidents involving alleged violations of children’s rights in Madhya Pradesh and has sought detailed reports from state authorities within two weeks.
The cases relate to the safety of schoolchildren in Vidisha district and an alleged assault and caste-based abuse of a Dalit student in Shivpuri district.
In the first case, the NHRC took note of reports about nine students from Kakraua village in Vidisha district who are allegedly risking their lives every day by crossing the Betwa River using exposed pillars of a check dam to reach their school.
The dangerous route, which includes five girl students among the children, reduces their travel distance from nearly 13 km by road to around 1.5 km. A video showing students carefully moving across gaps between the pillars reportedly went viral on social media.
The Commission observed that the lack of a safe mode of transport or a secure passage for children amounts to a denial of their right to education with dignity. It referred to Article 21A of the Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children between six and 14 years, as well as provisions under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
The NHRC also cited the Supreme Court’s judgment in Avinash Mehrotra Vs Union of India (2009), which recognised that the right to education includes the right to a safe school environment and infrastructure.
According to the report considered by the Commission, villagers said they are unable to accompany children to school due to agricultural work, leaving families with limited options. One student reportedly missed school and failed final examinations after being unable to cross the pillars due to her height.
The District Education Officer inspected the site and informed the District Collector, but no timeline has reportedly been set for creating a safe route. The NHRC has issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report.
In the second case, the Commission took cognisance of allegations that a Class 4 student from the Dalit community was assaulted and subjected to casteist remarks by a teacher at a Government Primary School in Ukawal village of Shivpuri district on July 28.
The teacher allegedly assaulted the child after seeing him drink water from his own bottle. The student later informed his parents, who approached the police.
The NHRC said that if the allegations are found to be true, they raise serious concerns regarding human rights violations. Notices have been issued to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary and the Superintendent of Police, Shivpuri, seeking a detailed report, including the status of statutory relief provided to the victim.
The Commission said both incidents highlight the need to safeguard children’s rights to education, safety and dignity.
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