India: Citizen-led school audits test the limits of activism

The India-based citizen-led activist group, dubbed the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has launched a nationwide school audit campaign to assess the conditions of government schools. Beginning on India's Independence Day in August, the initiative aims to inspect 100 rural government schools over two months. Volunteers are tasked with documenting basic facilities, such as toilets, drinking water, electricity, and classroom furniture, and holding authorities accountable for any deficiencies.

The scope of the project is extensive, as India has over a million government schools, serving nearly 70% of its schoolchildren. However, the campaign has encountered resistance from local authorities, who have raised concerns about rules, permissions, and the potential disruption of teaching. Some states, like Rajasthan, have imposed restrictions on school visits, while others have ordered their own inspections.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka emphasized the group's commitment to accountability, stating that they will not back down despite the challenges. The CJP maintains that citizens have a right to inspect publicly funded institutions, provided they follow due process and respect the privacy and safety of students and staff. Critics, however, question the expertise of volunteers in assessing safety and infrastructure and the veracity of allegations posted online.

Education advocate Mohandas Pai supports the CJP's focus on government schools but disagrees with their methods, urging them to follow conventional channels and obtain permission before entering schools.