As India prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day on August 15, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a nationwide campaign and citizen-led social audit aimed at addressing the long-standing neglect of rural government school infrastructure.

The initiative calls on parents, citizens and village leaders to demand fully functional government schools for the children of farmers and wage labourers. Dipke said the campaign is rooted in a simple truth: “The real India lives in villages.”

Highlighting the stark contrast between urban development and rural educational facilities, the CJP founder noted that while major national projects such as the new Parliament building and the Prime Minister’s residence have been completed, millions of village children continue to study in schools that lack basic amenities. Many still walk long distances to classrooms without stable electricity, clean drinking water or functional washrooms - a situation that particularly affects young girls.

“Are the children in our villages not included in the future of our country? Do we not consider them a part of our nation?” the campaign statement asks. “Every child of every citizen of India deserves a better tomorrow because quality education is a fundamental right. On this 15th of August, our entire focus must be on making every single government school properly functioning.”

The campaign will begin with a direct intervention in Hingoli, where Dipke will personally meet the local Sarpanch and urge the upgrade of village government schools to a fully functional state. An appeal has also been issued to Sarpanches across the country to take similar action. Those who successfully improve their schools will receive public recognition through before-and-after photographs shared on CJP’s social media platforms.

Alongside the Sarpanch challenge, the organisation is introducing a public social audit tool. Parents and community members are being asked to visit their children’s government schools and check for essential facilities, including:

• Stable electricity supply

• Safe and clean drinking water

• Separate, functional washrooms

• Hygienic midday meals

Where facilities are missing, citizens are urged to record video evidence and document the gaps. A printable audit form will be made available through a link in the comments section of campaign launch videos on the official Cockroach Janta Party page. Completed forms and video evidence can be emailed to contact@cockroachjantaparty.org

Reiterating the movement’s core vision, Dipke said, “If we come together, act, and unite, we can make all our village government schools a better place for tomorrow’s future. The real India lives in its villages, and it is time our schools reflect that.”