Students at a government girls’ school in Bhopal staged a protest on Wednesday, alleging that they are forced to clean the school premises, mow the lawn, and endure severe punishments for minor infractions, such as standing in the sun if they are even five minutes late to class.
Hundreds of girls from Sarojini Naidu Girls Higher Secondary School held a sit-in protest against the management and an employee named Varsha Jha, who they accuse of mistreatment. Jha, who was appointed just a month ago, has reportedly issued an apology.
The school administration has denied the students’ allegations, asserting that teachers do not punish students as claimed. Principal Malini Verma told NDTV that an ex-soldier had been hired to enforce discipline and that senior Education Department officials would decide on further actions.
Visuals from the protest showed numerous angry students in uniform gathered outside the school building. Some were seen stomping on a nameplate and breaking windows, while others participated in a sit-in protest, trying to shield themselves from the intense sun.
In one video, students were shown sweating profusely under the midday sun, chanting slogans against the school management and Ms. Jha. Another video depicted students standing on classroom benches to remove ceiling fans.
Students also voiced concerns about school timings, with some mentioning that the school, which ends at 6 pm, poses difficulties for those who live far away. One student complained about being locked out and punished for arriving late, despite their long commute.
Another student criticized the new teacher, stating that she scolds and punishes students harshly without showing respect, and claimed that the principal ignored complaints about her behavior.
The protests prompted a visit from the Director of the Madhya Pradesh Education Department, who placed Varsha Jha on indefinite leave. The police were also called to manage the situation. Mayur Khandelwal, the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Habibganj, told NDTV that a team was sent to calm the situation and persuade the students to end their protest.
The incident has sparked a political controversy, with Congress youth wing chief Mitendra Singh criticizing the ruling BJP and its ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign.
