Bombay HC seeks details of problems faced by children on way to school in Maharashtra districts
India Today
The Bombay High Court sought details of difficulties faced by children in reaching school across all districts in Maharashtra.
Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to inquire about the difficulties faced by children while travelling back and forth from school. The court's ruling came during the hearing of a suo motu petition pertaining to India Today group's 'Mumbai Tak' report about students from Khirkhindi village in Javali taluka of Satara district crossing Koyna dam in boats every day to reach their school.
The division bench of Justices PB Varale and SM Modak was informed by Amicus Curiae advocate Sanjeev Kadam, that the Satara children were provided with a motorised boat by an NGO. He said that it was a temporary measure and a permanent solution should be found.
Explaining the reason for the school kids going by boat to school in Satara, an affidavit filed by the Assistant Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Islampur stated that the village was rehabilitated under Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Project in 2016. But six out of the 70 families from Khirkhandi did not take possession of the new place. The officer's affidavit also stated that facilities such as cycles, boat facilities, life jackets etc were provided to them by different organisations.
Another affidavit filed by the joint secretary to the government, School Education and Sports Department stated that there are 10 students in the village, of which two are studying in Khirkhandi, but as there is no higher education available, so the remaining students travel through Koyana backwater by a private boat from Khirkhandi to Shembadi.
The affidavit states that government school facilities are not available in the area but it added that there are other schools at a nearby distance where the students can be accommodated and " the government shall provide transport allowances to the students as per the provisions of RTE Act, 2009."
The court initiated a suo motu public interest litigation after it came across 'Mumbai Tak's report' which highlighted the problems faced by the girl students from Khirvandi village in Javali taluka of Satara district.
The report stated that girls regularly undertake a journey by boat to cross the Koyna dam and reach the school. It also said boats were plied by the girl students themselves.
