'School Thik Karo': Dipke speaks to students, posts video of 1st school audit

Dipke hit out at the political parties, accusing them of not doing enough to improve the conditions of the government-run schools.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said the people have understood the need to talk about education. The CJP is set to launch its 'School Thik Karo' campaign, spearheading the demand for reforms in government schools, as India marks its 80th Independence Day.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. (PTI/File)

Urging the people to begin asking questions, Dipke said, "People have now understood that they should talk about education, which is the need of the hour. No matter which political party ruled, nobody worked for government schools in states. Now there is a need, and we can make them work by asking questions."

Dipke will launch the ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign from his native village of Santuk Pimpri in Hingoli district of Maharashtra.

Dipke shares video of first school audit

Dipke could be seen speaking to young girls, seeking their feedback on the school amenities. Based on their inputs, CJP listed the poor water supply, lack of drinking water, benches, dirty washroom and broken windows as some of the issues troubling the students.

"Even after 80 years of Independence, our govt schools still lack basic amenities," he said.

Dipke further said he spoke to the Sarpanch of his village, who has assured that the Panchayat will resolve all these issues within a week.

"Change is possible when we come together and act," said Dipke.

Govt schools remain neglected: Dipke

The CJP founder hit out at the political parties, accusing them of not doing enough to improve the conditions of the government-run schools.

Dipke alleged that all the governments, irrespective of parties in power, have neglected the schools.

Dipke questions source of funds

The CJP convener raised the issue of huge banners seen in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city on Friday as he questioned the source of funding. The banners had come up during a Tiranga rally organised in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“There were huge banners placed every 40-50 feet. Where did this money come from," Dipke asked.

Targeting the government, he said, “Had this money been spent on schools and students in rural areas, it would have been even better. They should think about whether they want to create a future of students or not.”

Dipke urges parents to hold social audits of schools

Earlier, on Monday, Dipke had urged parents to conduct social audits of basic facilities and sarpanches to take up the task of improving the institutions.

"We have made a new Parliament, a new PM house. Why have we not been able to build new schools in our villages? Do we not consider the children of farmers and labourers the future of our country?" he had asked.

Dipke had said that village children still have to walk long distances to attend school and often find basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets unavailable.

Cockroach Janta Party

The Cockroach Janta Party which began as an online satirical platform launched by Dipke from the US turned into a public movement. The CJP led a massive protest against the NEET paper leak, which drew students from across the country to Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the agitation.

The protests culminated in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister. After the demonstrations ended on July 25, the CJP held a two-day strategy meeting in Maharashtra and announced that it would continue as a youth movement, with Wangchuk as its mentor.

Last week, Dipke also announced the nationwide “Kya Bolti Public” campaign to understand people’s concerns. He said education would be the first focus of the outreach initiative.

(With PTI inputs)