Students brave muddy roads to reach school in Morena

In Morena, Madhya Pradesh, students face significant challenges in reaching Gyanodaya Residential School due to the poor condition of the access roads. A 700-meter stretch leading to the school has become marshy, forcing students to navigate a narrow six-foot path amidst ankle-deep sludge. Despite the school's capacity to accommodate 640 students, only 310 are enrolled, largely due to the road conditions. The school, established in 2015, has modern facilities but struggles with operational issues, including inadequate teacher staffing and difficulties in food supply and emergency services. The two main routes to the school, Nahar Marg and Silayatha Marg, have deteriorated over time, with potholes filling with rainwater during monsoons and remaining muddy in dry seasons. This has deterred parents from enrolling their children, as the lack of reliable access raises safety and logistical concerns. Currently, only 12 out of 40 sanctioned teaching positions are filled, with four guest teachers assisting. Principal Asha Singh has communicated the urgent need for road repairs to the administration, but no action has been taken. The deputy commissioner of the divisional SC/ST Welfare Department, Saurabh Singh Rathore, revealed that a proposal for Rs 36 lakh to repair the roads has been submitted, with an additional Rs 2 lakh requested, yet funding has not been allocated despite ongoing demands. The situation highlights the broader issues of infrastructure and educational accessibility in rural areas, where inadequate facilities can severely impact student enrollment and overall educational outcomes.