HARDA, Madhya Pradesh — Over 300 students from a government residential school in Harda district scaled their hostel wall on Saturday . They marched approximately eight kilometers to protest alleged poor food quality and unsanitary conditions, officials confirmed.
The students from Eklavya Adarsh Aawasiya Vidyalaya in Rahatgaon began walking towards the collectorate, located 40 kilometers away. They endured cold morning temperatures, aiming to voice grievances directly to authorities.
Collector Intervenes
Collector Siddharth Jain intercepted the students on the national highway at Sodalpur after they had walked several kilometers. He met with the students, promising immediate action to address their concerns. Subsequently, Jain arranged buses to transport all students back to their school, officials stated.
Student Grievances Detailed
Students reported long-standing issues within the residential school. Their primary complaints centered on poor food quality, lack of basic facilities, and deplorable sanitation. Furthermore, students alleged that the hostel principal subjected them to mental harassment when they attempted to complain about these conditions.
Student representatives informed reporters that the protest became necessary because no action had been taken despite repeated complaints. During their direct interaction with Collector Jain, the students specifically demanded the removal of the principal.
Committees Formed, Probe Initiated
In response to the student’s demands, Collector Jain announced two key initiatives. He assured students that a parents’ committee would be formed to regularly check food quality. This committee aims to provide ongoing oversight and accountability.
Additionally, Jain stated that a new ‘contact committee’ would be established. This committee will provide students with a direct channel to address grievances, enabling them to approach the collector or tribal affairs department officials without fear of reprisal. Jain acknowledged that complaints against the principal had surfaced and promised a thorough investigation, with necessary action to follow.
“Considering the children’s problems, I reached the spot. For now, the students have been persuaded to return. The matter will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken,” Jain told reporters.
MLA Uncovers Further Issues
Local Congress MLA Abhijeet Shah also visited the Eklavya school hostel following the protest. He reported finding multiple shortcomings in food items stored in the kitchen. Shah additionally claimed that upon inspecting the drinking water tank, tree roots were discovered inside it. He demanded a comprehensive probe into all alleged lapses and conditions at the school.
About Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Eklavya Adarsh Aawasiya Vidyalayas, known as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), are government-run institutions. They provide quality residential education from Class VI to XII, primarily for Scheduled Tribe students. The schools focus on their holistic development, ensuring access to robust educational opportunities.
Under the state’s tribal affairs department, the Madhya Pradesh Special and Academic Society oversees 63 EMRS across the state. These schools receive dedicated funds. This funding ensures facilities and services adhere to the norms prescribed by the National Tribal Students Education Committee in New Delhi, a body under the Government of India.