Bijapur- The tragic deaths of 10 tribal children in the Porta (popularly known as Pota) Cabin schools in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, in 2024, have sparked a storm of political controversy and public concern.

The Porta Cabin system, introduced by the Chhattisgarh government in 2011, was initially conceived as a means to provide education, security and shelter for children in the Naxal-affected areas of the state.

In the past year, the deaths of 10 children in these residential schools from February to December, have put the spotlight on these issues. The incidents have put the spotlight on the system’s deficiencies, raising serious questions about its implementation and effectiveness.

The deceased children, ranging in age from 4 to 20 years, succumbed to a variety of causes. These include illnesses like malaria and fever, as well as more tragic incidents, such as suicide and accidental burns. According to the reports, the following deaths occurred:

• 27th February: 13-year-old Xavier Kujur, a class 7 student, committed suicide by hanging at Pre-Matric Boys' Hostel, Cheragangi.

• 6th March: 4-year-old Lipsha died in a fire at the Residential Girls' Porta Cabin, Timapur.

• 19th April: 20-year-old Rajni Yalam died during treatment at Taralaguda.

• 12th July: 9-year-old Dikshita died from malaria at Residential Girls' Porta Cabin, Taralaguda.

• 14th July: 4-year-old Vedika Jwva died from malaria at Residential Girls' Porta Cabin, Sangampali.

• 8th August: 9-year-old Anita Kursham died from fever and vomiting at Bedre Girls’ Ashram.

• 27th September: 8-year-old Rakesh Punam died from vomiting and diarrhea at Duggaiguda Residential School.

• 10th December: 15-year-old Vimala Kawasi died from sickle cell anemia at the Rukmini Girls' Ashram, Dhanora.

• 16th December: 8-year-old Tankeshwar Nag died from malaria at Bhatawada Residential Boys' School.

On December 20, Bijapur MLA Vikram Mandavi raised the issue in the Assembly claiming that the deaths are continuously occurring due to lack of treatment for children studying in ashrams and portacabins in Bijapur district. In the last ten months, ten children have died. Out of these, five children died from malaria. The government is unable to treat malaria in children studying in ashrams and portacabins, he asserted.

" From this, one can estimate how the government must be treating children studying in ashrams and portacabins in the district. The government has completely failed to prevent the continuous deaths of tribal children and is also working to hide these deaths. On the other hand, as no action has been taken against any responsible officer or employee so far, such incidents are continuously increasing. There is constant negligence in the treatment of children and due to such continuously occurring incidents, tribals' trust in ashrams and portacabins is gradually eroding" Mandavi stated.

These deaths have brought into focus the poor living conditions and lack of adequate healthcare in these schools. The quality of food, sanitation, and overall safety have been raised as significant concerns. In fact, these concerns have been compounded by the alleged corruption in the administration of these institutions, with accusations that bidding for the position of Ashram or Hostel Superintendent is not based on qualifications, but financial promises, as revealed by a viral video.

Hansraj Meena, the founder of the Tribal Army, took to social media to condemn the deaths, highlighting how the real issue—the safety, health, and education of the children—has been overshadowed by political blame games.

He pointed out that while political leaders continue to point fingers at each other, the focus should have been on addressing the systemic failures in these residential schools.

"Amid political allegations and counter-allegations, the real issue has been pushed aside: the safety and education of these children must be the priority," Meena said in his social media post.

What are Porta Cabin Schools?

The Chhattisgarh government launched the portacabin schools initiative in 2011-12 to bring education to remote tribal areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). These schools, constructed from pre-fabricated bamboo and plywood, are fireproof and waterproof residential facilities offering free education from grades 1 to 10.

The initiative, designed to cater to children from marginalized communities in conflict zones, aimed to ensure that children continued their education despite the ongoing security challenges posed by Naxalism.

Located across districts like Bastar, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Sukma, and Bijapur, they primarily serve Gond and Halbi tribal communities. In regions challenged by poor infrastructure and Naxal activities, these portable schools represent an innovative solution to make education accessible in otherwise underserved areas, helping integrate tribal youth into mainstream society.