40 Children Forced to Study Among Cattle in Barwani, School Remains Incomplete

Barwani, Madhya Pradesh: In the remote village of Dulara Falia, located about 55 km from the Barwani district headquarters, nearly 40 tribal children are being forced to attend classes amidst cows, buffaloes, and chickens. The government primary school, approved in 2011, remains incomplete, leaving students with no proper building to study in, much to the frustration of parents and villagers.

Classes Amidst Livestock

With no functional school structure, children sit on the bare ground in a mud enclosure alongside animals. Initially, the school operated from a local tribal resident’s home. However, when the owner needed the space back, classes were shifted to this unsafe and unhygienic makeshift facility, exposing students to health risks.

Incomplete School Building

Villagers say that although the school building was sanctioned, it remains unfinished. There is no roof or doors, making it unusable. Local resident Gulab Singh confirmed the building is incomplete, while another villager, Kamsiya, said repeated requests to officials and politicians have gone unheard. Kamsiya added that his two children often fall sick due to the unhygienic learning environment.

Temporary Measures Fail

To address the issue, Janpad Panchayat member Kailash Kharte raised the matter in a local meeting. The education department provided a plastic sheet cover for the structure, but it tore during rain, leaving the school in the same dilapidated condition. Teachers have repeatedly informed authorities and promised repairs, but no progress has been made.

Proposal Sent to Higher Authorities

Parents are deeply concerned, demanding a safe and proper learning environment for their children. According to Block Resource Coordinator (BRC) Dinesh Chauhan, the school is still operating from a temporary structure, as the building’s roof work remains incomplete. A proposal has been forwarded to higher officials, and the matter is being pursued through the local panchayat. The school, initially approved in 2011–12, has had to operate in a private home and now in a makeshift mud enclosure due to incomplete construction.