Gen Alpha Protests School Mergers Across MP Over Longer Travel Distances

Gen Alpha students in Madhya Pradesh have taken to the streets, protesting proposed school mergers that would require longer travel distances. The movement, which began in Bhopal, has spread to 11 districts beyond the capital, Ujjain, and Ashoknagar. The primary concern is the relocation of schools, particularly for younger students who fear the journey would be too arduous.

In Katni's Supeli village, the Primary and Middle School has merged with Sandipani School in Bahoriband, a seven-kilometer trek through dense forest. In Sagar's Bina block, tribal and rural students protested the merger of 13 primary schools with Sandipani and other institutions. They argue that relocation would hinder their access to education.

Students in Dindori were seen outside their school, opposing the move to a newly built structure four kilometers away. Sehore residents also voiced opposition to merging their Government Primary School with Sardar Patel School, located over two kilometers away. Khargone's Baliapura Primary School was merged with Sailani School, increasing the student count from 11 to 20.

The protests extend beyond school mergers; at a PM Shri school in Rampur Baghelan, students protested waterlogging, while in Guna, they opposed the removal of their principal. In Tikamgarh and Ratlam, teacher transfers sparked discontent. At a residential school in Chhindwara, students voiced concerns over the quality of their meals, alleging insects in their dal and vegetables.

A group of girl students in Sironj also staged a protest, focusing on unspecified issues affecting their school. The authorities have seized assets worth ₹37 crores in connection to the SAGA Group Ponzi scam in the region.