CJP's Abhijeet Dipke launches campaign to upgrade village govt schools

New Delhi: Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), has announced a nationwide campaign to improve government schools in villages, questioning why the country can build a new Parliament and a Prime Minister's residence but not new schools for rural children.

Addressing a gathering, Dipke said the focus on grand infrastructure projects has overshadowed the crumbling state of rural education, where many government schools lack basic amenities like proper classrooms, toilets, and drinking water.

Campaign targets panchayat heads

Dipke has called upon panchayat heads and local representatives to take immediate action to repair and upgrade government schools in their areas. He emphasised that the campaign is not just about building new structures but also about ensuring existing facilities are functional and safe.

“If we can build a new Parliament and a new PM house, why not new government schools in villages?” Dipke asked, drawing attention to the disparity in resource allocation.

Rural education neglect flagged

The CJP founder said that rural education has been neglected for decades, with many schools functioning out of dilapidated buildings or operating without basic infrastructure. He argued that improving these schools is essential to ensure that children in villages get the same opportunities as those in urban areas.

Dipke also highlighted that many government schools have been shut down or merged due to low enrolment, forcing children to travel long distances or drop out altogether.

Call for community participation

The campaign will rely on community participation, with Dipke urging villagers to form committees to monitor the condition of schools and push authorities for timely repairs. He also asked panchayat heads to use available funds under various government schemes to prioritise school infrastructure.

Officials have not yet confirmed the full scope of the campaign or its funding, but Dipke said the initiative will begin with a survey of schools in select districts before expanding nationwide.

Political reactions and next steps

The announcement has sparked debate, with some political leaders supporting the campaign while others questioned the timing and motive. Dipke, however, maintained that the effort is apolitical and focused solely on children's welfare.

The campaign is expected to release a detailed roadmap in the coming weeks, including a list of schools that require immediate intervention. Observers will be watching whether the movement translates into concrete action on the ground or remains a symbolic appeal.