NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of a media report about school students risking their lives by hopping on check dam pillars to cross the Betwa River to reach school in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that schoolchildren in Kakraua village, Vidisha district, Madhya Pradesh, are crossing the Betwa River by hopping on check‑dam pillars. The children choose this risky 1.5 km route instead of a 13 km road journey because it shortens travel time. NHRC notes that the lack of a safe transport option violates the fundamental right to education with dignity under Article 21A and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and cites the Supreme Court’s Avinash Mehrotra judgment linking education to safe infrastructure. A notice has been issued to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary for a detailed report within two weeks.