It was a heartbreaking sight across several towns and villages in Uttar Pradesh on the morning of July 23, 2025 — children, dressed in their school uniforms, clutching notebooks and water bottles, standing helplessly in front of locked school gates. Some cried. Some sat on the ground silently. Others asked their parents questions that no one could answer: "When will our school reopen?"
The closure of over 27,000 government schools in Uttar Pradesh has sparked one of the most emotionally charged education crises the state has seen in decades. These schools, serving primarily economically disadvantaged communities, were abruptly shut down following a sweeping directive by the state's Basic Education Department.
What Led to This Mass Closure?
The Uttar Pradesh government cited non-compliance with essential infrastructure norms as the main reason behind the shutdown. This move is part of the ongoing ‘Operation Kayakalp’ initiative, aimed at upgrading the quality and safety of schools in the state.
The schools reportedly lacked:
- Functional toilets, especially for girls
- Safe and stable buildings
- Adequate number of teachers
- Boundary walls or fencing for safety
- Basic classroom furniture and teaching aids
- Clean drinking water supply
Authorities claim that multiple warnings were issued throughout 2024, but many schools failed to address these problems, leading to closure.
Children Left Behind
The closure has had a devastating impact on children. Many students in slums and rural regions now have no school to attend. Parents are helpless as they cannot afford private education.
"My son keeps asking why the school is closed. I have no answer," said Sunil Kumar, a rickshaw puller in Lucknow. His 10-year-old son, Arjun, was studying in Class 4. Now, the school gate has a sign: “Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice.”
The Emotional Toll: Viral Visuals Stir Outrage
Videos and pictures of children crying outside school gates have gone viral on social media. People are reacting with outrage and concern.
A viral video from Gorakhpur shows children sobbing, calling out to their teacher who couldn’t enter. The video has over 3 million views and sparked calls for government action.
Parents and Teachers Protest Statewide
With no clear solution in sight, massive protests are spreading across UP. Parents and teachers are demanding that the schools reopen or that alternate arrangements be made.
In Varanasi, teachers held a candlelight vigil outside the education office, shouting “School bandh nahi, sudhar chahiye” (We need reform, not closures). In Meerut, women formed human chains in front of schools.
Teachers Face an Uncertain Future
This closure doesn’t only affect children — thousands of teachers are now jobless. Contract teachers are the most affected, with no security or assurance of future employment.
"We were working with minimal resources. Instead of supporting us, the government has shut down our schools," said Anjali Verma, a primary teacher in Sitapur. Many haven’t even received their previous salaries.
No Alternative Arrangements in Place
The government’s decision is being heavily criticized for not offering any backup plans or alternative education pathways. Students are left in limbo, especially in rural zones with no other schools nearby.
For many children, government schools were not just classrooms — they were lifelines. They provided food, basic healthcare, and a safe place to learn and grow.
"This school was everything to my daughter. We can't afford a private one. Where will she go now?" asked Parveen Begum from a village near Basti.
Rural and Tribal Areas Suffer the Most
In regions like Sonbhadra, Chitrakoot, and Lakhimpur Kheri, which are tribal or forest-bordering areas, the crisis is more severe. These areas often had only one school in a 10–15 km radius. With their closure, children have nowhere to go.
In Sultanpur and Hardoi, families are now forced to consider long-distance travel for education — something many cannot afford financially or safely.
Opposition Slams the Government
Opposition parties have strongly condemned the move. Akhilesh Yadav from Samajwadi Party called it “a reckless and anti-poor decision.” Priyanka Gandhi from Congress said it’s a “policy disaster” and accused the BJP-led government of ruining public education.
"This is not reform — it's abandonment. We demand immediate reopening or temporary arrangements." – Akhilesh Yadav
Is the Central Government Watching?
As the issue gains national coverage, many are urging the Ministry of Education to step in. Reports suggest that the Centre may allocate emergency funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to revive schools.
But as of now, there has been no official confirmation, leaving lakhs of families anxious and confused.
Legal Action and PILs Filed
Several NGOs and child rights activists have filed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in the Allahabad High Court. They argue that the closures violate the Right to Education (Article 21A) of the Indian Constitution.
"Closure without alternative access is unconstitutional," said senior advocate Arvind Tripathi, who is representing multiple welfare groups in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the UP government close 27,000 schools?
Because the schools failed to meet safety and infrastructure standards set under the Right to Education Act.
2. How many children are impacted?
Over 8.6 million students across the state have been affected.
3. Are there any government plans to reopen these schools?
Officials said schools will reopen after compliance, but no deadline has been announced.
4. Are there protests happening against this move?
Yes, students, teachers, and parents are protesting in many cities and towns of Uttar Pradesh.
5. Can students join nearby schools?
In rural areas, there are often no nearby schools within walking distance.
6. What are teachers doing now?
Many are jobless, some are protesting, and others are waiting for reassignment.
7. What is Operation Kayakalp?
A government initiative to improve basic infrastructure in UP government schools.
8. Are private schools an option?
Not for most affected students, as they come from economically weaker backgrounds.
9. What has the opposition said?
They’ve called it a poor decision that unfairly targets the underprivileged.
10. Is the issue being taken to court?
Yes, multiple PILs have been filed in the Allahabad High Court demanding reopening or alternatives.
Conclusion: A Crisis Calling for Compassion and Urgency
The closure of 27,000 schools in Uttar Pradesh has not just interrupted education — it has revealed deep cracks in India’s public education system. While aiming for higher standards is commendable, reforms without planning can be disastrous.
Children deserve stability, support, and access to learning. Shutting schools without alternatives undermines their future. This is a moment that demands responsibility, empathy, and immediate action.
Report by Toofan Express