Ujjain schoolgirls protest plan to move government schools 10 km away

More than 300 girls from an all-girls school in Ujjain's Sarafa area staged a protest on Friday at the Collector's office against government plans to merge and shift six government schools to Daudkhedi, about 6-10 km away. Students, parents, and activists raised concerns over safety and commute distances, as many girls travel 8-10 km already. Two students fainted during the protest, which lasted nearly two hours, with some girls breaking into tears and making emotional appeals. The students said they were inspired by the Gen Z protests in Delhi in July that led to the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

The state government's plan involves merging smaller schools into larger ones, including the Sandipani Vidyalaya in Daudkhedi. Activists from the School Bachao Sangharsh Samiti claim the move could impact over 2,500 students, many from poor families whose parents are labourers. A student, Shikha (name changed), said they are ready to give up food and water in protest. The District Education Officer, Mahendra Khatri, said the decision has not been finalised and the district-level monitoring committee will meet next week, likely by August 19, 2026. He denied receiving prior written protests, though activists said they had submitted applications four times.

The Sarafa school will continue at its current location until a decision is taken. Activists argue that shutting down schools within a 15-km radius violates the Right to Education Act and will disproportionately affect poor students.