Gen Alpha Students Stage Second Protest in Lucknow Over Teacher Shortage Amid Heavy Rain
Girl students of Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, a government-run residential school in Lucknow, staged a protest for the second time in four days on Monday, demanding resolution of teacher shortages and improved facilities. The demonstration took place amid heavy rainfall that has been affecting the city, with students blocking parts of the Dubagga-Kanpur Bypass and Balaganj intersections.
Students from Classes 6 to 12 came out of the school around 9 am, carrying placards and raising slogans related to the lack of subject teachers, particularly in science streams. They alleged that the absence of teachers for physics, biology and other subjects has disrupted regular classes and preparation for upcoming board examinations. One student stated that despite a significant number of science-stream pupils, the school has only a chemistry teacher available.
The protest led to temporary traffic disruptions on the bypass. Police teams from multiple stations reached the site and engaged with the students. Senior officials later held discussions with them at the school premises, after which the students returned and traffic movement was restored. The situation was reported as normal by the afternoon.
This marks the second such demonstration by the students, following an earlier protest last week that had drawn the attention of the state Social Welfare Minister. The school, managed by the Social Welfare Department, provides free education, boarding and meals to around 450 students. Concerns raised also included limited extracurricular opportunities due to long school hours and issues with online classes.
The protest occurred against the backdrop of continued monsoon activity in Lucknow. Heavy overnight rain had already caused widespread waterlogging across several areas, as detailed in recent reports on the city’s drainage challenges. Similar weather conditions persisted on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department issuing multi-day alerts for the region.
In related civic developments, the Lucknow Development Authority has initiated action on illegal constructions, with plans to demolish 101 structures starting August 17. Meanwhile, ongoing concerns about the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, including reports of fresh defects, continue to draw attention to infrastructure quality in the state capital.
Officials have indicated that a court case has delayed the joining of some teachers at schools under the department. Arrangements for guest faculty are being explored to address the immediate shortages. Students have demanded the presence of the District Magistrate and swift action to restore normal academic functioning.
For more on recent weather impacts in the city, see the coverage of heavy rain flooding roads and residential pockets. Additional reports on infrastructure and local events remain available under the News section.
