The civil rights organization, Social Jurist, has taken a proactive step by writing to Chief Justice of India (CJI), D Y Chandrachud, urging him to address the deplorable conditions of government-run schools in Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on the Khajuraho district.
In its letter, the group attached photographic evidence showcasing the dilapidated state of several school buildings, emphasizing the urgent need for judicial intervention. The visuals depict buildings in disrepair, lacking basic facilities such as adequate desks, benches, and a proper water supply.
Ashok Agarwal, a lawyer and advisor to Social Jurist, stated in the letter, “The conditions presented are merely examples of the broader reality facing lakhs of students in state-run schools, where they are subjected to unsafe and inadequate educational environments.”
The letter also highlighted significant hygiene issues, including unattended washrooms due to the absence of designated cleaning staff, and a critical shortage of teaching personnel relative to the number of students enrolled. This scarcity undermines the educational rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 21, and 21-A of the Constitution, which ensure equality, the protection of life and personal liberty, and the right to free and compulsory education, respectively.
Further grievances noted by the NGO include the use of synthetic materials in school uniforms that could potentially cause skin irritations among students.
The documentation from Social Jurist detailed a recent visit by one of its associates to various institutions including the CM Rise Government Senior Secondary School, Government Utkrisht Middle School, Government Utkrisht Senior Secondary Vidyalaya, Raj Nagar, Government Primary School, Bandargarh, and Government Primary School, Chobar.
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By submitting this letter petition, Social Jurist seeks to prompt the Supreme Court to recognize the situation as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and to direct the Madhya Pradesh government to take immediate corrective actions.
