Kishanpur Inter College : A recent incident at Government Atal Adarsh Inter College, Kishanpur has sparked widespread concern after students were allegedly asked to carry out manual labour during regular class hours. The matter came to light soon after the inauguration of a hand pump boring project on 25 November, an initiative announced by Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi with the support of Councillor Meenakshi Nautiyal.
Hand Pump Project Aimed at Ensuring Drinking Water for 650+ Students
The newly inaugurated hand pump boring system was expected to resolve drinking water challenges for more than 650 students. The school staff thanked the minister and appreciated the step taken to improve basic facilities on campus.
However, soon after the ceremony, the situation took an unexpected turn.
Students Seen Cleaning Mud at the Boring Site
According to visuals and eyewitness accounts, once the boring work was completed, heaps of soil accumulated on the school ground. Instead of trained workers clearing the debris, several students were seen lifting mud and cleaning the area using shovels and spades, while teachers stood nearby.
What makes the incident more alarming is that this activity reportedly took place during class period, directly impacting the children’s learning time.
A Risky and Unjust Practice
Forcing or encouraging children to engage in such activities is not only physically unsafe but also goes against the fundamental principles of education and child welfare. As per child protection norms and the Right to Education Act, students must not be involved in labour-intensive tasks under any circumstances.
Just a few days ago, a similar case from another government school in Dehradun surfaced online, where young children were seen doing tasks meant for adult labourers. These repeated occurrences raise serious questions about student safety, school accountability, and the quality of the education environment in government institutions.
Calls for Accountability and Immediate Action
Incidents where children are diverted from education and pushed into labour-like work reflect a deep systemic problem. Schools are meant to be safe spaces dedicated to learning, growth, and overall development—not places where students are used for manual labour.
There is an urgent need for the education department and local authorities to take strict cognizance of such cases. School administrations must ensure that:
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No student is ever asked to perform labour-intensive tasks
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Proper workers are appointed for campus maintenance
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Children’s rights, safety, and dignity are protected at all times
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Accountability is fixed on those violating child welfare norms
Conclusion
The Kishanpur Inter College incident serves as a crucial reminder that infrastructure development must never come at the cost of student safety or educational rights. A thorough investigation and corrective action are essential to prevent such occurrences in the future and restore trust in the schooling system.