Campus Times | Lucknow

The future of 243 students studying at Vidya Mandir Balika High School in Lucknow’s Narhi area has come under a cloud after the institution was vacated following an administrative order linked to a long-running property dispute. The development has raised serious concerns about the continuity of education for girls enrolled from Classes 1 to 10.

Established in 1935, the aided school caters primarily to students from economically weaker and lower-middle-income families. Parents fear that any prolonged disruption could adversely affect the education of hundreds of girls, undermining efforts to promote female literacy and education.

School premises vacated under administrative order

The eviction was carried out on Thursday in the presence of police personnel following an order issued by the Additional District Magistrate (East) on April 21 last year. Officials oversaw the removal of furniture, ceiling fans, cupboards and other items from classrooms as possession of the premises was handed over to the opposing party.

As news of the action spread, school manager Santosh Rastogi, Principal Rashmi Yadav, staff members and office-bearers of the management committee reached the premises and protested against the move.

The school management alleged that several important official records remained inside the premises and could be damaged or lost during the process.

Management alleges lack of notice

The school administration has questioned the manner in which the action was carried out, claiming that no prior notice was served before the premises were vacated.

According to the management, educational records, furniture and other essential assets were removed from the building, while even installed fans were dismantled. They alleged that the timing of the action coincided with the students’ vacation period, making it easier to take possession of the property.

The management further claimed that the matter is still pending before a court and that the land was originally donated specifically for educational purposes. Following the death of the donor, certain individuals allegedly attempted to claim ownership through what the management described as forged property documents.

Teachers’ body warns of protest

The incident has triggered concern among education stakeholders, with the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh warning of agitation if the issue is not resolved.

The organisation’s General Secretary, Ashish Kumar Singh, said the episode has raised broader questions about the security of land and assets belonging to recognised educational institutions. He argued that if timely intervention is not made by the administration and education department in such disputes, several long-standing educational institutions could face similar threats to their existence.

The teachers’ body has announced plans to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and launch an agitation to safeguard the school.

Authorities respond

District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Devendra Kumar Pandey said he had recently taken charge and was not fully aware of the details of the dispute. He stated that documents have been sought from the management committee and a review will be conducted.

“I have not yet received a copy of the ADM’s order. I will be able to comment only after examining the documents. However, students’ education will not be allowed to suffer,” he said.

ADM City Mahendra Pal maintained that the premises were vacated in accordance with a legally valid order issued last year and that adequate police deployment was ensured to prevent any law-and-order issues.

Hazratganj Inspector Vikram Singh said possession was handed over following an appeal by Dr Abha Goyal and in compliance with the ADM’s order. He added that the necessary expenses for police deployment had been deposited through the court process.