After Gen Z, why Gen Alpha is taking to streets across UP, Bihar and Rajasthan
What began with Gen Z's protests over competitive exams, paper leaks and education policies is now finding an unexpected extension among India's youngest students. Across
What began with Gen Z's protests over competitive exams, paper leaks and education policies is now finding an unexpected extension among India's youngest students. Across government schools in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and now Bihar, Generation Alpha is stepping out of classrooms and onto the streets, not for exam reforms, but for basic facilities many believe every school should already provide. From missing teachers and broken hand pumps to dirty toilets and classrooms without fans, children are increasingly turning to protests when repeated complaints fail to bring change. Read Full Story FROM WATER AND FANS TO TEACHERS One of the largest demonstrations took place at Sarvodaya Inter College in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, where around 1,500 students staged a si hour sit-in demanding better school facilities. Students alleged that classrooms lacked electricity and fans, toilets were unhygienic, clean drinking water was unavailable, benches were insufficient and the campus was poorly maintained.
They claimed their concerns had been ignored for years, prompting them to organise a protest. The demonstration eventually led the District Inspector of Schools to inspect the campus and assure students that the issues would be addressed. A similar picture has emerged in Rajasthan, where government school students are protesting against severe teacher shortages. In Barmer, students locked the gates of their Government Senior Secondary School and staged a sit-in, demanding immediate deployment of teachers until permanent appointments are made. In Jalore's Megalwa village, students raised slogans outside the PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, saying vacant teaching posts had left several subjects without instructors, affecting their studies and exam preparation. One protesting student said, "We demand that the government and education department immediately post first, second and third-grade teachers, including Level 1 and Level 2 teachers, at our school.
The current staff is too small and is burdened with administrative duties." BIHAR JOINS THE GROWING WAVE The protests have now reached Bihar as well. More than 40 students from Simuara Middle School in Gaya marched to the Tikari Sub-Divisional Office on July 30 to demand action over poor school management and the absence of basic amenities. The students complained about poor-quality midday meals, a broken hand pump, unclean toilets and the lack of sports equipment. They insisted on meeting Tikari SDM Praveen Kundan personally after initially being asked to present their grievances before another official. After hearing the students, the SDM directed the school's headmaster to resolve all issues within five days. He also constituted a three-member inquiry committee comprising Executive Magistrate Ranjit Kumar Singh, Tikari BDO Yogendra Paswan and ADSO Chandan Kumar to investigate the complaints and submit a report for further action.
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