Authorities partially demolished a school under construction by Muslim resident Abdul Naim on his private land in the tribal-dominated village of Dhaba of Betul,Madhyapradesh on Tuesday. The school, intended to serve students from nursery to class 8, was built at an estimated cost of ₹20 lakh by Naim.
Villagers said the school would have provided much-needed support for tribal children, who currently travel several kilometers on foot or by van to attend classes.
The demolition followed local rumors claiming the school would operate as a madrasa, a claim Naim has strongly denied. Dhaba village is home to only three Muslim families.
The village panchayat issued Naim a notice on Sunday, labeling the construction illegal. Despite a No Objection Certificate (NOC) being granted on Monday following protests, the administration went ahead with a partial demolition on Tuesday.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajit Marvi stated that only the portion considered illegal encroachment was removed. Naim, however, maintains that he had obtained all necessary approvals and is willing to pay any fines.
Tribal families emphasized that the school was meant to make education more accessible for their children. A student told media, “If the van doesn’t come, we have to skip school. The nearest school is 14 km away. The new school would have been a big help.”
A parent added, “Our children had to leave home very early and return late. It added to the burden of time, money, and safety. The new school would have eased this.”
Experts said the demolition goes against Supreme Court guidelines, which mandate a 15-day notice and an opportunity for a hearing before any property is destroyed.
Villagers claimed that the administration acted first and explained later, raising concerns over children’s and families’ rights.
The partial demolition of the school in Dhaba is not just a construction dispute; it raises broader questions about local education rights and administrative sensitivity. Residents are still trying to save the school, but unclear government decisions have shaken their aspirations.
