Hyderabad, 9 July
Telangana Bandh Tomorrow: Many Private Schools and Colleges Declare Holiday
Telangana Bandh Tomorrow is expected to affect educational institutions across the state, with several private schools and colleges already declaring a holiday on Friday, July 10. Parents have been informed through SMS and official notices that classes will remain suspended following a statewide education bandh called by Left-affiliated student organisations.
With Friday’s holiday followed by the second Saturday and Sunday, many students are likely to enjoy a three-day break. However, educational institutions have advised parents and students to stay updated through official communication regarding classes, examinations, and transport services.
The Telangana Bandh Tomorrow has been called by several student organisations, including AISF, SFI, PDSU, AIDSO, AIFDS, AISB, and AIPSU. The groups announced the protest during a meeting held in Hyderabad, stating that the bandh is aimed at protecting students’ interests and strengthening the public education system in the state.
The organisations have appealed to students, teachers, parents, and private educational institutions to extend their support to the protest. They said the agitation is intended to draw the government’s attention to several long-pending issues affecting the education sector.
One of the primary demands behind the Telangana Bandh Tomorrow is the withdrawal of the alleged proposal to reduce the number of government schools in the state. According to the student organisations, Telangana currently has around 27,000 government schools, and they claim there is a proposal to reduce this number to nearly 4,000.
The Telangana government has not officially confirmed such a proposal. The claim has been made by the protesting student organisations as part of their list of demands.
The student bodies are also demanding the appointment of a dedicated Education Minister and the immediate filling of vacant posts, including teachers, Mandal Education Officers (MEOs), District Education Officers (DEOs), and lecturers. They argue that the shortage of teaching and administrative staff has affected the quality of education in government institutions.
Another major issue highlighted during the Telangana Bandh Tomorrow is the need to regulate fees charged by private and corporate educational institutions. The organisations have urged the state government to introduce legislation to prevent arbitrary fee hikes and reduce the financial burden on parents.
The protesting groups have also demanded permanent buildings for government schools, hostels, and Gurukul institutions that are currently functioning from rented premises. They say better infrastructure is essential for improving educational standards across Telangana.
In addition, the student organisations have called for the immediate implementation of the mid-day meal scheme in Intermediate colleges and strict enforcement of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, including ensuring 25 per cent free admissions for students from economically weaker sections in private educational institutions.
They have also urged the Telangana Assembly to pass a resolution opposing the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and sought action against the alleged practice of private institutions forcing students to purchase textbooks, notebooks, and study materials from specific vendors.
As the Telangana Bandh Tomorrow approaches, several private schools and colleges have already decided to suspend academic activities as a precautionary measure. While many institutions have declared a holiday, the situation may vary depending on local conditions and management decisions.
Students and parents are advised to check with their respective schools and colleges for the latest updates regarding classes, examinations, and transport services before leaving home.
The student organisations have reiterated their appeal for peaceful participation in the protest and said they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed. With educational institutions expected to witness disruptions across the state, the Telangana Bandh Tomorrow is likely to have a significant impact on normal academic activities.