A complaint was filed before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding violations of fundamental and statutory rights of school-going children in Madhya Pradesh.

It was submitted that 7217 schools in Madhya Pradesh, catering to approximately 2.22 lakh students, were functioning with only one teacher, which made it impossible to maintain basic teaching standards. It was also contended that only around 59.2% of schools had access to computers, out of which approximately 55% lacked internet connectivity, leading to deficiencies in digital education facilities.

It was asserted that the existence of thousands of single-teacher schools was a breach of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, a violation of Article 21-A, and attracted the doctrine of arbitrariness under Article 14. It was contended that the Chief Secretary, the Principal Secretary, School Education Department, the Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Madhya Pradesh, were directly responsible in the present matter.

NHRC directed that the complaint be transmitted to the authorities concerned for appropriate action within 8 weeks.

Appearances:

Complainant – Adv Y. Balachander Reddy

National Human Rights Commission Click here