New Delhi: Due to a statewide bandh called by student unions, including the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) schools and junior colleges across Telangana will remain closed on July 23. However, the state government has not officially declared a holiday, but most educational institutions including private schools and colleges, have opted to remain shut to as a safety measure.

The decision to close the educational institutes has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff amid anticipated large-scale protests. This closure schools and colleges aims to draw attention to a number of long-standing issues in the state’s education sector.

Students demand action on fee regulation, scholarships

The protesting student groups have issued demands targeting key concerns in the state’s education system, like the rising cost of education in private schools and colleges. Students have also urged the government to regulate fees and make education more accessible for the economically weaker sections.

AISF and SFI are also asking the state to immediately release pending scholarships for students from backward and minority communities. As per the unions, the delay in disbursal has led to undue financial burden on many students.

In addition, there is concern over the deteriorating infrastructure in government schools and junior colleges. Protesters have highlighted the lack of basic facilities such as clean drinking water, sanitation, and classroom furniture. Another issue that has been raised is the prolonged delay in the recruitment of teachers.

Opposition to NEP 2020

Among the demands, the student unions are urging the Telangana government to appoint a dedicated Education Minister to handle the state’s academic affairs with focused attention. Students are also asking for the expansion of the mid-day meal scheme to include junior college students, citing nutritional needs of older adolescents.

One of the major demands is the outright rejection of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The unions argue that NEP 2020 threatens the inclusivity and equity of the education system and lacks a clear strategy for improving public education.