AAP steps up campaign to protect government schools in Uttar Pradesh; seeks Rajya Sabha debate

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified its efforts to raise concerns over the status of government schools in Uttar Pradesh , with the issue now likely to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha. AAP MP Sanjay Singh has submitted a notice under Rule 267, requesting a discussion in the Upper House on the closure and merger of government schools and its implications for children's access to education.

The Rajya Sabha Chairman has taken cognizance of Singh’s notice, which was filed on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. In a post on X, Singh stated that AAP’s campaign to safeguard public education would continue both inside Parliament and on the ground. “Educational reform should not mean shutting down government schools, but strengthening them,” he wrote.

In his submission, Singh cited the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 and Article 21A of the Constitution, expressing concern over the reduction in the number of functioning government schools. According to Singh, over 10,827 primary schools in Uttar Pradesh have been merged, nearly 25,000 have been closed, and orders have been issued for the closure of around 5,000 more.

He noted that such changes, in some cases, may be impacting accessibility for children in remote areas, especially those from rural and marginalised communities, who may now need to travel several kilometres to reach the nearest school.

Singh also highlighted the issue of teacher vacancies, stating that more than 1.93 lakh teaching positions are currently unfilled in Uttar Pradesh's primary schools, with additional shortages reported in secondary and higher secondary institutions. He added that some schools are being managed by a single teacher, which may affect the overall quality of education delivery.

He underscored the need to focus on investment in infrastructure, adequate staffing, and inclusivity to improve educational outcomes. “We must invest in teachers, infrastructure, and inclusivity—not reduce physical access in the name of administrative efficiency,” he said.

Calling it a matter of national relevance, Singh urged the House to suspend all other business and hold a focused discussion under Rule 267 to examine the broader implications of school closures and explore ways to strengthen public education systems.