Archive · 17 Aug 2026
Lucknow schoolgirls protest teacher shortage; Akhilesh slams BJP government
Some schoolgirls in Lucknow, a city in India, went out into the rain to protest.
They were upset because their school did not have enough teachers.
Without teachers, their classes were not happening properly.
This was the second time in four days that students from their school protested.
Boys from the same school had also protested a few days earlier.
The girls held signs and blocked a busy road, which stopped traffic for a while.
Police and other officials came and talked to the students.
The students went back to school after the talks.
A minister said the problem is in court and a decision is expected soon.
A political leader named Akhilesh Yadav said the government should have fixed the problem.
Girls of Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Lucknow protested on Monday over teacher shortage and disrupted classes, their second demonstration in four days.
Uttar Pradesh minister Asim Arun said the guest teacher appointment matter is before the high court, with a verdict expected on Tuesday.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP government, questioning whether Uttar Pradesh has an education minister.
Students demanded action against the warden and appointment of additional teachers, warning of another protest if their demands are not addressed.
Similar student protests over education and infrastructure issues have occurred in Fatehpur, Hamirpur and Kannauj in recent months.
- Who
- Girl students of Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, a government-run residential school in Lucknow, along with Uttar Pradesh minister Asim Arun and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
- What
- Students protested over shortage of teachers, disruption of classes and lack of basic facilities, blocking intersections and disrupting traffic.
- When
- Monday, August 17, three days after male students of the same school held a similar protest on Friday.
- Where
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, at the Dubagga-Kanpur Bypass and Balaganj intersections.
- Why
- Teacher shortage and disruption of classes; the guest teacher appointment matter is pending before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court.
Students and Opposition
State Government (BJP)
Teacher shortage
Students and Opposition
The government has failed students; girls are forced onto the streets because of teacher shortage and lack of basic facilities.
State Government (BJP)
Guest teachers were selected last year, but a court case filed by them seeking continuation has made some teachers unavailable; the matter is before the high court.
School facilities
Students and Opposition
Students allege lack of basic facilities and that classes are not being conducted properly, with only a chemistry teacher for science students.
State Government (BJP)
Minister Asim Arun said the schools have good facilities including buildings, food, education and coaching, though the teacher shortage is a genuine concern.
Resolution approach
Students and Opposition
Students demand action against the warden and more teachers, and warn of another protest if demands are not met.
State Government (BJP)
Officials are resolving grievances through dialogue, strict action will be taken against negligent officials, and a positive court outcome is hoped for.
- School
- Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya
- Location
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Protest date
- Monday, August 17
- Second protest within
- 4 days
- Key demands
- Appointment of additional teachers and action against the warden
- Minister involved
- Asim Arun, Social Welfare Department
- Court status
- Matter before Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court; verdict expected Tuesday
- Similar protests
- Fatehpur, Hamirpur and Kannauj