Rudraprayag: In the heart of Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, the Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya—established in 2009 under the central government’s Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya scheme—continues to operate in deplorable conditions, depriving talented rural children of quality education and basic amenities. Located in the Maltoli area near the district headquarters, the residential school lacks essential infrastructure, including a playground, open courtyard, adequate toilets, and proper boundary walls, forcing 92 students from classes 6 to 12 to live in confinement within the building’s walls.
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya scheme aims to provide free, high-quality residential education to bright students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, with at least 75% seats reserved for rural children. However, persistent neglect has kept enrolment far below capacity—never exceeding 100 students—despite the school’s potential to serve as a beacon for underprivileged talent in the region.
Chronic Infrastructure Deficiencies
The campus presents a picture of decay: open drains emit foul odours, posing health risks; broken water tanks and damaged boundary walls compromise safety; and damp storage rooms threaten food supplies, especially during monsoons. The building’s faded paint and poor maintenance create a demoralising environment. Without a dedicated playground, students are restricted to limited activities on the rooftop, severely hampering physical exercise and overall development.
School authorities report that these conditions adversely affect students’ physical and mental health. Local residents and parents have repeatedly raised complaints with the administration, but no substantial remedial action has materialised to date. Security remains a concern following the recent accidental death of one of the two guards; only one remains posted.
Severe Staff Shortages Hamper Education
Staffing is critically inadequate. Of the 13 employees currently working, only two are permanent teachers, with the rest on contract or guest basis. Three teaching posts have remained vacant for a prolonged period, and administrative support is limited to one computer operator on deputation. This shortfall prevents personalised attention, directly impacting academic progress and the school’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
Current staffing and enrolment overview:
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Total students (Classes 6-12) | 92 (roughly equal boys and girls) |
| Permanent teachers | 2 |
| Contract/guest staff | 11 |
| Vacant teaching posts | 3 |
| Security guards | 1 (one deceased recently) |
These figures highlight underutilisation of the school’s capacity and underscore systemic challenges in teacher recruitment and retention.
Hope on Horizon with New Campus
A silver lining emerges from ongoing construction of a new campus in Sumadi-Bhardar area of Jakholi block, sanctioned in 2015-16 at an estimated cost of ₹45 crore. Recent inspections by district officials, including the District Magistrate and local MLA, indicate progress, with reports suggesting around 50% completion in late 2025. School management expects the shift to the new facility—promising modern classrooms, proper playgrounds, improved sanitation, and enhanced safety—once construction concludes, potentially revitalising the institution.
The prolonged neglect at the current site reflects broader issues in rural education infrastructure under the Navodaya scheme, where remote locations often face delays in maintenance and upgrades. Educationists and parents warn that without timely intervention, the future prospects of these students could be jeopardised.
As the new campus nears completion, swift relocation and full staffing could restore the school’s role in empowering rural youth. Until then, the Maltoli campus serves as a stark reminder of the gap between policy intent and on-ground reality in Uttarakhand’s government-run residential schools.
