The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held a large protest at Eco Garden in Lucknow on Saturday, opposing the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to shut down public schools that do not meet certain criteria. The demonstration was led by Rajya Sabha MP and AAP’s Uttar Pradesh in-charge, Sanjay Singh, and drew participation from teachers, parents, and citizens from across the state.
The protest was in response to a government directive that set new operational conditions for public schools, including a minimum enrollment of 50 students and a one-kilometre distance between schools. The state government has partially rolled back the order after facing public pressure.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Singh said, “We won’t let a single school shut down in UP; the government must revoke the school closure order.” He called the rollback a “partial victory” but stressed that the campaign would continue until all public schools were protected.
Singh criticized the policy, drawing a comparison with state liquor regulations. “Liquor shops are allowed within 300 meters, but schools need 3 km distance? Why?” he said, questioning the rationale behind the rule. He added, “Quick to open liquor stores, eager to shut schools, is this the Yogi model?”
Blowing a ceremonial conch before his address, Singh accused the state government of targeting marginalised communities through the closure of schools. “The fight will go on until every child in UP has access to education,” he said. “Not a single conspiracy against education will be allowed in Uttar Pradesh.”
Party leaders including Dilip Pandey, Anil Jha, and Sabhajit Singh also spoke at the protest, stating that the campaign would continue at the grassroots level. The protest was attended by several AAP state leaders, office-bearers, and local supporters.
The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet issued an official response to the protest or the fresh demands made by the demonstrators.
The protest was in response to a government directive that set new operational conditions for public schools, including a minimum enrollment of 50 students and a one-kilometre distance between schools. The state government has partially rolled back the order after facing public pressure.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Singh said, “We won’t let a single school shut down in UP; the government must revoke the school closure order.” He called the rollback a “partial victory” but stressed that the campaign would continue until all public schools were protected.
Singh criticized the policy, drawing a comparison with state liquor regulations. “Liquor shops are allowed within 300 meters, but schools need 3 km distance? Why?” he said, questioning the rationale behind the rule. He added, “Quick to open liquor stores, eager to shut schools, is this the Yogi model?”
Blowing a ceremonial conch before his address, Singh accused the state government of targeting marginalised communities through the closure of schools. “The fight will go on until every child in UP has access to education,” he said. “Not a single conspiracy against education will be allowed in Uttar Pradesh.”
Party leaders including Dilip Pandey, Anil Jha, and Sabhajit Singh also spoke at the protest, stating that the campaign would continue at the grassroots level. The protest was attended by several AAP state leaders, office-bearers, and local supporters.
The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet issued an official response to the protest or the fresh demands made by the demonstrators.
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