In a shocking incident, a private school in Bhalgaon Phata area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district shut down without any prior notice, leaving students and parents in a state of confusion and distress. The abrupt closure has triggered strong protests, with parents staging a unique demonstration by organizing a makeshift classroom outside the Zilla Parishad headquarters.
According to reports, the school had been operating for several years, but at the start of the new academic session, students arrived to find the school doors locked. With no prior intimation or explanation from the school administration, parents were left furious and concerned about their children’s academic future.
In a symbolic protest, the affected parents brought their children to the Zilla Parishad CEO's office, dressed in school uniforms and carrying their school bags. The children sat in neat rows, reading books as if in a classroom, while some teachers stood alongside them in solidarity. The unusual scene caught the attention of nearby officials and employees, who were stunned by the peaceful but powerful protest.
"We paid the fees on time, our children were attending school regularly. Then why was the school suddenly shut down?" asked one angry parent. "We are not wealthy people, but our children’s future should not be played with like this."
Another parent questioned the lack of support from the local administration: "If the school has shut down, will the Zilla Parishad provide an alternative? Or are our children expected to stay home? Denying education is unacceptable."
Children present at the protest shared their own experiences from the school, revealing troubling details. “There were only four teachers for all grades. Students from Class 1 to 10 were made to sit together. There were no rules. Some would play, some made noise, and no one stopped them. When we came today, the school was locked. That’s when we brought our parents here,” one student said.
Parents have demanded immediate intervention from the Zilla Parishad's Education Department. They are urging the CEO to investigate the sudden closure and ensure that affected students are admitted to other nearby schools without delay.
Education activists also pointed out that the closure of a school without notice violates the Right to Education Act. They are calling for strict legal action against the school administration to prevent similar incidents in rural areas, where access to education is already limited.
As the protest continues, all eyes are now on the Zilla Parishad to respond swiftly and ensure the students do not lose their academic year due to administrative neglect.