The students, mostly girls aged 8 to 10, were given no food or care during the long trip to the ashram school in Nandurbar district; teachers face questions, activists demand action
NEW DELHI/NANDURBAR – On the same day that schoolchildren across Maharashtra were welcomed with flowers and chocolates at the start of the new academic year on Monday (June 16), a shocking incident has come to light from Nandurbar district. Seventy Adivasi children, many of them girls as young as 8 or 10, were packed into a truck and taken on a 200-kilometre journey to their ashram school without proper food or care.
The children, all from Deoli village in Chalisgaon taluka, were admitted to an ashram school in Akal Kwan taluka of Nandurbar. Ashram schools are special schools where tribal children stay and study, with food and shelter provided by the government.
Instead of being safely transported by bus, the children were stuffed into a single truck for the long journey. They were not given any food or breakfast during the several-hour trip. By the time they reached the school, they were visibly tired and weak.
“This is completely wrong. These are small children. Many of them are girls. Their safety should have come first,” said Ravi Pawar, a social worker who saw the children being transported.
According to reports, when some local activists found out about the situation, they tried to stop the truck and demanded that the children be taken by bus. After their protest, only 27 children were allowed to travel by bus. The rest continued their journey in the truck.
Activists are now demanding that strict legal action be taken against the teachers who were responsible for the transport.
“The teachers must be held accountable. This is not just about breaking rules — it’s about putting children’s lives at risk,” said Meena Patil, a local activist. “How can you treat children like animals? We will not stay silent.”
The incident has sparked anger in the community and criticism of the local administration. Officials have said that an inquiry is underway.
A government officer, who did not wish to be named, said, “We have asked for a full report. Action will be taken if rules are broken.”
Meanwhile, the families of the children are worried and upset.
“We sent our daughter to school for a better future. But look how they treated her on the very first day,” said Ganesh Bhilala, a parent from Deoli.
This incident highlights the gap between promises of quality education and the reality faced by tribal children. While the state celebrates the reopening of schools, some of its most vulnerable children are still being denied basic dignity and safety.
