Schools in Sukma district in the red corridor of Chhattisgarh became nonfunctional due to Naxal insurgency. Now the district administration is making education available for everyone and successfully coaching students for professional courses.
Deepak Tati, a young boy from Mehta village, a remote area in Konta administrative block of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, had dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. Growing up in a region deeply affected by Naxalism, known as the red corridor in Chhattisgarh, he didn’t have easy access to schools.
His village lacks basic facilities like electricity, health and education services, and internet connectivity, making it difficult for him to study. Despite these challenges, Tati’s determination remained unshaken.
Supported by the district administration, he worked tirelessly, eventually clearing the joint entrance exam (JEE). Today, he’s pursuing a degree in computer science at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Patna, a testament to the transformative power of education in the most challenging of circumstances. Stories like Tati’s are an inspiration to the administration to make education accessible for all.
Sukma, a district nestled in the Bastar division, is often synonymous with the red corridor in Chhattisgarh due to its long-standing history of Naxal insurgency. This region, rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, has been a battleground for sociopolitical struggles.
Sukma is situated at the intersection of Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh borders. The district’s remote location, strategic positioning at the junction of four borders and dense forests have made it a key area for Naxal operations, profoundly impacting the lives of its residents.
Amidst this backdrop, the quest for education in Sukma stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, aiming to break the cycle of violence and poverty.
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For decades, the Naxal insurgency disrupted life in Sukma, particularly affecting the education sector. It strategically targeted schools, viewing them as symbols of government presence and control.
As a result, nearly 200 government schools were shut down 15 years ago, creating a significant educational void. Many school buildings were either destroyed or repurposed as shelters by Naxals. Fear for their lives forced teachers to abandon their posts.
This lack of access to formal education left an entire generation deprived of learning opportunities. Many children were forced into labour or seasonal migration to neighbouring states, making them vulnerable to insurgent recruitment.
The psychological impact was equally severe, instilling fear and insecurity among students and teachers alike. The collapse of the education system not only hindered individual growth but also stifled the community’s overall socioeconomic development.
Insurgency affects both core villages and fringe areas, casting a shadow over the entire district. Sukma’s education crisis is multifaceted, with issues ranging from infrastructural deficits to sociopolitical instability.
The primary challenges include the lack of safe and accessible schools, insufficient teaching staff and inadequate learning materials. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated these problems, with frequent disruptions and threats to personal safety, which in turn discourages school attendance.
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Enrolling in school does not guarantee a better foundation-level education. The local economy, primarily based on non-timber forest products (NTFP), is informal, and economic hardships often force children to prioritise work over education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Ultra-low economic status makes higher study unaffordable and lack of connectivity leaves many unaware of government schemes that could help them.
In response to these pressing challenges, the district administration has taken multiple steps. Initiatives range from Shikshadoot, where volunteers from local areas teach students in makeshift structures, to the reopening of schools.
Recently, the district collector and the education department, supported by Public Policy in Action (PPIA) fellows, launched several initiatives to revive education and encourage students in Sukma to aspire for higher education.
One of the most notable efforts was the introduction of government-aided JEE and national eligibility-cum-entrance test (NEET) coaching in 2022, targeting students aspiring for higher education. Alongside this, residential facilities were established to provide a stable learning environment.
Additionally, pre-exam centres were set up across 15 locations, drawing nearly 1,200 students, from which 100 were selected for intensive coaching. These initiatives aim not only to provide academic support but also to instil hope and ambition among Sukma’s youth.
Another step was recognising the need to support underprivileged students. The district administration has established a scholarship programme to provide initial financial aid to students pursuing higher education until other scholarships are secured. A dedicated committee assesses applications to ensure that deserving students receive the necessary support, covering expenses beyond tuition fees.
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The programme specifically supports first generation learners and residents of areas affected by left wing extremism (LWE). By addressing the unique needs and circumstances of these students, the programme aims to provide equitable educational opportunities and foster academic success across a broad spectrum of disciplines.
In its first year, the JEE-NEET coaching programme began with enrolling 30 dropout students, yielding remarkable results: 16 students qualified for the NEET exam. This success motivated the expansion of the programme, including residential facilities and JEE classes for the 2023-24 session.
The comprehensive support offered includes regular classes, evening study sessions until 10 pm, in addition to access to libraries and computer facilities. Collaboration with JIO Embibe – an AI-powered learning platform – provides additional resources, particularly for JEE students.
In the latest exams, 35 students appeared for NEET and 25 of them qualified; four appeared for JEE and two of them qualified, showcasing the programme’s effectiveness.
Building on the initial success, the district collector has scaled up the programme under the umbrella of the Kshitiz initiative to include more students and additional subjects, providing comprehensive educational support to students in grade IX to XII. This initiative has been extended to all blocks of Sukma district.
Strategic partnerships with educational organisations and private sector companies are being sought to enhance resources and ensure the programme’s sustainability. Continued community engagement and robust security measures will be pivotal in maintaining and expanding these educational initiatives.
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The educational initiatives in Sukma represent a groundbreaking effort to uplift students in one of India’s most challenging regions. By addressing educational gaps and providing comprehensive support, these programmes offer a transformative pathway for Sukma’s children, fostering hope, resilience and a brighter future.
What former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said still holds true: “Knowledge is power. In areas devastated by conflict, education becomes the foundation upon which peace and progress can be built.”
Sustaining the momentum at Sukma and expanding the reach of the programmes is crucial for long-term educational transformation and socioeconomic development in the region known to be the red corridor of Chhattisgarh.
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The lead image at the top shows Sukma district collector Haris.S (in green checked shirt) visiting a coaching centre. (Photo by Saurav Kumar)
Atray Karmahe and Saurav Kumar are Public Policy in Action Fellows with Transform Rural India and work with the district administration of Sukma in Chhattisgarh.
