Students forced to walk through mud to attend school in central India
by Aditi VermaIn a village in central India’s Madhya Pradesh students are compelled to navigate muddy paths to reach their school. Parents have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the road, yet no action has been taken.
The incident took place at Pipra village in the Pichhore tehsil of Shivpuri district on September 19.
Visuals showed the narrow, unpaved paths were filled with thick mud after the rain, making it difficult for anyone to walk. Small children, dressed in their school uniforms and carrying backpacks on their shoulders, struggled to cross the muddy path. Their feet sank with each step, while some held onto each other for support. A few adults were walking ahead and behind them, keeping a close eye on the children for their safety, but the scene was chaotic. The atmosphere felt tense and eerie, with the overcast sky and slippery, treacherous ground adding to the sense of danger. It was a daunting journey through the mess of mud and water.
Students face daily challenges as they walk through thick mud to attend their school. Many parents, concerned for their children’s safety, have been carrying them on their shoulders to cross the muddy terrain. Others have no choice but to send their children barefoot, with shoes in hand, as they attempt to avoid getting stuck in the sludge.
A parent, Ramlakhan Lodhi, expressed his frustration, claiming that the village sarpanch is not taking any action, fearing repercussions. “The children cannot attend school properly as they get stuck in the mud,” he said.
Despite repeated complaints, no solution has been offered. The road has severely deteriorated, and according to villagers, the sarpanch often responds with the excuse that there are no funds available to repair it. Phoolsingh, another local, also voiced his concerns, stating that even after multiple appeals, nothing has been done to fix the situation.