MP: Visually Impaired Students Sing Bhajans, Warn of Hunger Strike to Press Government for Demands

Jabalpur- The ongoing protest by visually impaired students against the government's negligence entered its sixth day in Jabalpur. The students, studying in a school managed by the Social Justice and Disabled Welfare Department near Jabalpur Andhamook Bypass, have been protesting over the lack of basic facilities in the school and hostel.

The deteriorating condition of the school building has been a major concern, with the ceiling cement falling in multiple places, posing a safety hazard. The hostel faced a recent incident where the ceiling collapsed during mealtime, intensifying the urgency of their demands. Despite receiving Rs 10 lakh 80 thousand from the government in 2019 for maintenance, the students claim that there has been no visible improvement.

On Saturday, the visually impaired students resorted to singing hymns and raising slogans against the government to draw attention to their plight. More than 80 students are participating in the protest, demanding immediate action to address their grievances. Rajaram, a student participating in the strike, pointed out that the school offers music education without adequate musical instruments. Instruments purchased two decades ago are now in disrepair, severely impacting the quality of education.

The students expressed frustration over the lack of concrete assurances from the government despite several days of protests. Talks with officials have yielded only assurances, and the students feel their demands have been ignored. Allegations have been made against the hostel staff, claiming they are intoxicating the students.

As the protest intensifies, the students are considering taking more drastic measures, including a hunger strike. They have boycotted classes, insisting that they will not resume until their demands are addressed. The disruption has affected the normal functioning of the school, with teachers attempting to explain the situation but facing resistance from the students.

Amidst the ongoing protest, school principal Shankar Kapoor stated that they have written a letter to the government addressing the demands. He emphasized that local-level actions have been taken to the best of their ability. However, the students remain adamant, emphasizing that their complaints have not been resolved, forcing them to continue their strike.

The visually impaired students are resolved to fight an all-out battle against the government to secure their basic rights and improve the conditions in their school. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm on their positions, and the future of the protest hangs in the balance.

Story Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai

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