A massive student demonstration was staged at Gandhi Park in Gonda district under the banner of the Rashtriya Chhatra Panchayat to press for comprehensive reforms in the education sector. Operating under the slogan 'Shiksha Bachao Jan Andolan', hundreds of students and youth gathered to raise their voices against arbitrary fee hikes by private educational institutions, as well as exorbitant charges imposed under the guise of specialized textbooks and school uniforms. Protesters emphasized that accessible and affordable education is a fundamental right for every student, warning that the commercialization of schooling is placing an unbearable financial strain on ordinary households.
Demands for Private School Regulation and Key Conditions
Speaking at the rally, Shivam Pandey, the president of Rashtriya Chhatra Panchayat, stated that the organization is ready to call off its protest immediately if the administration accepts its three primary demands. The cornerstone of their grievances includes the enactment of a strict fee regulation law to restrict private schools from unfairly raising tuition fees, the mandatory implementation of NCERT textbooks across all private learning institutions, and a rollback of recently increased university examination charges. Shivam Pandey stressed that the movement is entirely focused on safeguarding student welfare and restoring fairness to the educational framework. He added that while the demonstration was initially scheduled for a single day, the activists are fully prepared to convert it into an indefinite movement if official action is not taken promptly.
Allegations of Administrative Misconduct and Barricading
The protest witnessed significant friction between student representatives and local authorities over security measures put in place around Gandhi Park. Shivam Pandey alleged that administrative officials erected extensive barricades around the venue to prevent supporters and student workers from assembling at the site. He further charged the administration with treating peaceful protesters unfairly and trying to forcibly clear the venue, describing the move as an attempt to stifle democratic rights. Despite these hurdles, the leadership asserted that administrative pressure would not deter the student body from raising legitimate educational concerns.
Years of Campaigning and Five Lakh Letters Sent
Providing additional context regarding their ongoing campaign, Ankit Tiwari, the State Secretary of Rashtriya Chhatra Panchayat, noted that the organization has been spearheading the 'Shiksha Bachao' initiative for the past two to three years. He emphasized that establishing a robust fee regulation law is essential to curb unchecked commercialization in private schools, where parents are frequently coerced into purchasing expensive tailored kits and branded books. Requiring standard NCERT books across all schools, he argued, would dramatically reduce student expenses. Ankit Tiwari pointed out that the group had previously organized a gherao of the State Assembly and conducted a prolonged sit-in demonstration at Eco Garden in Lucknow. Although an assurance was given by the Chief Minister to address these demands within three months, no concrete policy measures have been implemented so far. In an effort to make their voices heard, activists dispatched nearly five hundred thousand letters (5 lakh letters) to government authorities and submitted multiple memorandums to local Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Soaring Exam Charges Following University Re-affiliation
Highlighting specific financial hurdles in higher education, Ankit Tiwari cited the recent situation at LBS Degree College. He explained that when the college was affiliated with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, the examination fee was around 800 rupees per student. However, following its recent re-affiliation with Maa Pateshwari University in Balrampur, the exam fee surged steeply to between 1,700 and 1,800 rupees. This sudden double-fold jump in costs has burdened college students, prompting the Rashtriya Chhatra Panchayat to demand an immediate reduction in examination fees to make higher education financially manageable.
Safety Concerns Over Dilapidated Student Hostels
Beyond fee structures, student leaders expressed serious concern over the physical safety of residential students residing in deteriorating infrastructure. The organization urged authorities to immediately shut down or renovate hazardous hostel buildings in the district, asserting that student safety must never be compromised for administrative convenience. Shivam Pandey concluded the protest meeting by reiterating that the organization will remain steadfast in its struggle until the government delivers decisive and tangible remedies for every issue raised.
