Nagpur – Abhijit Deepke, the architect behind the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), publicly rebuked both state and central governments for the dismal state of tribal‑run schools across India. In a press briefing in Nagpur, Deepke warned that tribal education has been systematically sidelined for years, leaving children without essential infrastructure and support.
Kick‑off of the “Fix Tribal Schools” movement
Deepke announced that CJP will launch the Fix Tribal Schools drive on 17 September, beginning with an event in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. The campaign aims to thrust three core concerns into the national conversation:
- The constitutional entitlement of tribal children to a quality education.
- Critical scarcities of classrooms, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and qualified teachers.
- Administrative lethargy that stalls timely remedial action.
Field investigation
As part of the initiative, CJP volunteers will travel to schools in predominantly tribal regions to record infrastructure deficits and conduct interviews with students, teachers, and parents. This on‑the‑ground audit builds on a previous “Fix Schools” effort aimed at mainstream government schools, now refocused on the distinct hurdles faced by tribal communities.
Political priorities under the microscope
Deepke lambasted political parties for splurging on lavish party headquarters while simultaneously professing a lack of funds for tribal residential schools. He warned that such skewed spending deepens the marginalisation of tribal learners.
The human toll of abandonment
According to Deepke, more than 590 tribal students have died in Maharashtra over the last two years, many from preventable causes such as snakebites. He also cited over 30 child deaths in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, within the past two months, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Compensation controversy
The CJP chief accused several state governments of offering token cash relief to grieving families rather than comprehensive financial aid and dignified support, branding the practice a “sham compensation” scheme.
Systemic gaps in higher education
Out of the 720 Eklavya Model Residential Schools sanctioned nationwide, 477 remain closed, depriving countless tribal youths of secondary education opportunities. Deepke highlighted the stark under‑representation of Scheduled Tribe students in elite institutions like the IITs and called for an urgent review of admission policies and reservation enforcement.
Call for concrete reforms
Concluding his address, Deepke urged the government to conduct a serious audit of why tribal students and teachers are so sparsely represented in premier academic bodies. He demanded decisive policy actions to dismantle structural inequities and ensure tribal education receives the focus and resources it rightfully deserves.
