Are Our Schools Failing Children? Banda Video Sparks Outrage

A disturbing incident has surfaced from Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district, where students of a junior high school were allegedly forced to perform manual labour.

A viral video circulating on social media shows children in school uniforms loading sand using shovels and metal pans. It has prompted serious concerns about the functioning of the Education Department.

The incident reportedly took place in Achharaund Gram Panchayat.

In the video, multiple children are seen engaged in physically demanding work considered both inappropriate and illegal for minors.

Allegations suggest that the task was assigned by school authorities, including teachers.

The video was recorded by Mahendra, son of Rampal and a resident of Acharaundh village. He claims that his children, Riyansh and Riyansi, study at the same junior high school.

Mahendra has alleged that students are being made to carry out manual labour. He also alleged that they are subjected to discriminatory treatment within the school.

Expressing anguish over the situation, Mahendra said, “My children go to school to study, yet they are being made to perform manual labour there. I humbly appeal to the government and the administration to investigate this matter and take the strictest possible action against those responsible.”

The incident has triggered widespread outrage among locals and on social media, with many demanding strict action against those involved.

Forcing children into labour, whether within or outside school premises, is both unethical and a punishable offence under the law.

Official Response Awaited

District Basic Education Officer Avyakt Ram Tiwari stated that all schools were closed on Friday. He said the viral video had not yet come to his attention.

Tiwari further added that if such a video is circulating, authorities will conduct an enquiry and take appropriate action based on the findings.

Despite laws criminalising child labour for children aged 6 to 12, the incident raises troubling questions. Students are allegedly being made to work by those responsible for their education.

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