Gen alpha protests: Unnao school students stage sit-in over food, teachers and drinking water

On Wednesday, students from Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, a government-run residential school in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, protested over poor-quality food, inadequate drinking water, teacher shortages, and the principal's behavior, causing brief traffic disruptions at Mohan crossing. This marks the latest in a series of "Gen alpha protests" by school students in Uttar Pradesh, who have voiced concerns over basic amenities and educational issues in recent weeks.

Earlier protests in Lucknow on August 14 and 17 highlighted teacher shortages and other facility concerns, with both male and female students participating. In Unnao, students arrived at Mohan crossing around 7 am with placards, resulting in traffic obstruction and long vehicle queues. Allegations included poor food quality, insufficient drinking water, a shortage of teachers, and dissatisfaction with the principal's conduct.

Upon reaching the school, District Magistrate Ghanshyam Meena and Superintendent of Police Jaiprakash Singh met with the students, assuring them that their grievances would be addressed. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shalini Singh Tomar confirmed that the students' minor issues were resolved, and the protest was called off peacefully. The school, accommodating students from primary classes through 10th and 11th grades, reported that the situation is now normal and all students are calm.