School students across multiple states in India have held protests in recent weeks, seeking better conditions in their educational institutions. These protests appear to be inspired by previous demonstrations led by Gen Z activists against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In Samuhi Bhatpurwa village, Uttar Pradesh, 122 students at a government-run primary school refused to enter their classrooms until they received assurances regarding the construction of a new school building, which had been promised by authorities. Some students, including eight-year-old Priya, held India’s national flag during the protest. The current school structure is old and dilapidated, with a portion of it still unrepaired after a wall collapsed in 2023, injuring a student.
The protest began on August 22, with children as young as six challenging school and government authorities. Following the protest, Block Education Officer Deepak Awasthi assured the students that a new building would be constructed soon, prompting them to return home as evening approached.
Priya expressed her relief, stating, "I am happy. We will get a new building. We (the children) dread the school building would one day fall. Its condition is poor. The fear does not let us concentrate on our studies. That is why we all protested."
Students in at least 10 Indian states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, have initiated similar protests since late July, particularly in rural areas where government-run schools are in poor condition.
These protests highlight challenges not only within India’s education system but also present a political test for Modi’s government, which is facing difficulties in retaining the support of young people. Since early June, thousands of Gen Z protesters have gathered in New Delhi, demanding accountability following a series of examination paper leaks linked to student suicides. The government has faced criticism for attempting to label the protesters as extremists rather than addressing their concerns.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a satirical group formed to address issues of unemployment and flaws in the education system, has been at the forefront of these protests. Following a violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, the government responded by resigning Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The CJP has since focused on improving school conditions, launching the initiative ‘School Thik Karo (Fix The Schools)’ on August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day. Ratna Singh, the CJP’s legal affairs head, stated that they support the ongoing protests and aim to address the poor conditions in schools.
Education rights activist Nagasimha Rao emphasized that children are demanding basic rights such as proper infrastructure, teachers, and essential facilities. He questioned whether the neglect of government-run schools is due to the socio-economic status of the students attending them.
Protests have also highlighted issues such as inadequate facilities, with students from Sarvodaya Inter College in Uttar Pradesh protesting on July 28 due to a lack of drinking water and electricity. Similar demonstrations have occurred in Maharashtra, where students protested against faculty shortages.
The Right to Education (RTE) Act, enacted in 2009, mandates that education is a fundamental right for children aged six to 14, specifying infrastructural standards and teacher-student ratios. However, government data reveals that many schools still lack adequate resources, with over 100,000 schools having only a single teacher.
Protests have also arisen over the quality of food provided in the midday meal scheme, with students in Bihar protesting against substandard meals on July 28. Education experts argue that systemic fixes are necessary to improve infrastructure, hire qualified teachers, and incentivize school attendance.
The current wave of protests poses a political challenge for the government, as a significant portion of India’s population is under 18, many of whom will be eligible to vote in the 2029 national elections. Activists warn that if educational conditions do not improve, it could hinder India’s growth.
Students like Sujata Gowda, a Bangalore University student, believe the protests reflect a long-standing sense of abandonment felt by youth in the education system. She called for improvements in infrastructure and teaching quality, emphasizing the need for authorities to listen to students to prevent further protests.