In Bharuch, Gujarat, a troubling situation has arisen regarding education. Forty-five students from Atkhol village are forced to study outdoors, sitting in the shade of trees or under makeshift roofs. This alarming reality emerged during the school admission season, highlighting the failures of local authorities.
The school in Atkhol was established in 1955. Over the years, it has fallen into disrepair. Despite repeated requests from villagers and the village head, only Rs 5 lakh was allocated for repairs by the district education committee. After a tender was awarded, construction began. However, the contractor used poor quality materials, leading to the project being halted.
Currently, a new contractor has been assigned, but construction has been stalled for the last six months. As a result, students have no choice but to study in the open, exposed to dust, sun, and rain. In a desperate attempt to help, a local benefactor has offered space under their shed for the children to study.
This temporary solution is far from ideal. The students lack adequate shelter and are struggling to get an education while the authorities seem indifferent. Parents and the village head have raised concerns with higher officials, asking, “If education is our future, why are these children deprived of a proper learning environment?” They fear that if a new school is not built soon, these children will miss out on essential education.
The situation in Atkhol reflects a broader issue within the Indian education system. While the government claims to prioritise education, many students still face significant barriers to learning. In 2015, it was noted that a child starting school would have a bleak future by 2028 if current conditions did not improve.
Despite increasing funding for literacy, the quality of education continues to decline. Many schools lack basic facilities and qualified teachers. In Gujarat, the number of government universities has increased, but these institutions often lack the necessary staff and resources.
Reports indicate that a large percentage of graduates struggle to find employment due to inadequate education. Experts highlight that many engineering graduates lack essential skills, leaving them unprepared for the job market.
In summary, the plight of the students in Atkhol is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in the education system. Without immediate action and investment in schools, many children across India will continue to face an uncertain future. The voices of parents and village leaders must be heard to ensure that every child has access to a quality education.
The state must take responsibility to create a conducive learning environment for all students, enabling them to dream of a brighter future.
Leave a Reply