Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Marikavalasa Gurukul Protesters Demand School Continue Amid Merger
People are protesting about what should happen to Marikavalasa Gurukul School.
They want the school to continue instead of being merged into one Centre of Excellence.
Tribal leaders and parents say some students were moved at night without permission.
Government officials say the new centre will give tribal students better education.
They also say students were moved with their parents’ permission.
The government has invested money in hostel improvements.
A company called Physics Wallah will provide coaching for IIT, NIT and NEET exams.
Officials said 39 students from Madugula were brought back after protests.
Both sides say they are concerned about the students’ future.
Tribal leaders, students, parents and political representatives held a rain-drenched dharna demanding continuation of Marikavalasa Gurukul School.
Protesters opposed GO-69, the merger of two Gurukuls and creation of a single Centre of Excellence.
They alleged students were transferred at night without parental consent and demanded that displaced students return.
Tribal Welfare Secretary MM Nayak defended the Centre of Excellence, saying it would provide better education and coaching for competitive exams.
The government said displaced students were placed in nearby schools with parental consent, while 39 students from Madugula were reinstated after protests.
- Who
- Tribal leaders, students, parents, political representatives and government officials, including Tribal Welfare Secretary MM Nayak.
- What
- A protest demanding continuation of Marikavalasa Gurukul School and withdrawal of GO-69, which involves merging two Gurukuls into a Centre of Excellence.
- When
- The agitation intensified on Monday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Marikavalasa, Visakhapatnam, at the English-medium boys’ school serving students from tribal Gurukuls.
- Why
- Protesters oppose the merger and alleged student transfers without parental consent; the government says the Centre of Excellence will improve education and competitive-exam coaching.
Protesters’ Position
Government’s Position
School merger
Protesters’ Position
Tribal leaders, parents, students and political representatives want Marikavalasa Gurukul to continue and oppose merging the two Gurukuls into one Centre of Excellence.
Government’s Position
The government says the Centre of Excellence was established to provide better education to tribal students.
Student transfers
Protesters’ Position
Protesters said students were transferred at night without parental consent and demanded that displaced students be brought back.
Government’s Position
Tribal Welfare Secretary MM Nayak said displaced students were accommodated in nearby schools with parental consent and that 39 Madugula students were reinstated.
Education model
Protesters’ Position
Protesters objected to the government’s decision and called for a broader agitation involving political parties, student unions and tribal associations.
Government’s Position
The government said the centre would use co-educational teaching, online examinations and merit-based admissions, with coaching for IIT, NIT and NEET aspirants.
- Government order
- Protesters demanded withdrawal of GO-69.
- Proposed change
- Two Gurukuls are being merged into a single Centre of Excellence in Visakhapatnam.
- Investment
- The government said Rs 143 crore was invested in hostel renovations, including RO plants and toilets.
- Statewide plan
- Six Centres of Excellence are being established across the state.
- Competitive coaching
- Physics Wallah was selected through bidding to provide coaching for IIT, NIT and NEET aspirants.
- Student admissions
- Officials said 600 students had been admitted based on merit.
- Reinstated students
- Thirty-nine students from Madugula were reinstated following protests.