The Students Federation of India (SFI) launched a nationwide campaign on August 1, 2026, to revitalize its 'School Bachao Andolan.' This movement advocates for the reopening of closed government schools. It also demands increased teacher recruitment and improved infrastructure for public education. The campaign will run for three months through August, September, and October.
Campaign Details
The campaign includes school visits, student mobilization, public conventions, rallies, and a nationwide signature drive. The 'School Bachao Andolan' highlights the closure of thousands of government schools over the past decade. SFI data indicates approximately 94,000 government schools have closed in the last ten years. During the same period, private schools increased by about 40,000.
Government schools lost 85.86 lakh students. Private schools gained 88.27 lakh students in the same timeframe. The movement points to a severe teacher shortage. Around 100,843 schools operate with a single teacher. These schools serve nearly 29 lakh students.
School closures disproportionately affect students from economically weaker families. Girls, Dalit, Adivasi, and minority students face greater hardship. The 'School Bachao Andolan' calls for increased public spending on education. It demands 6 percent of the GDP and 10 percent of the annual budget for education.
The campaign seeks the reopening of all closed government schools. It also demands the recruitment of trained teachers. Volunteers will visit schools in every state. They will mobilize students impacted by closures or mergers. A nationwide signature drive aims to collect 10 crore signatures.
Upcoming Events
Memorandums will be submitted to authorities at block, subdivision, and district levels. The first major convention is scheduled for September 8, 2026 , at HKS Surjeet Bhawan in Delhi. State-level conventions and rallies will follow. These include 'Vidhan Sabha Chalo' and 'Raj Bhavan Chalo' programs.
Demands for Improvement
The 'School Bachao Andolan' has raised these concerns for five years. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these issues. The campaign demands better classrooms, laboratories, and libraries. It also calls for improved sports facilities and functional toilets in government schools.
The movement seeks measures to reduce school dropouts. It also advocates for nutritious midday meals. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds require extra support. The SFI invites broader participation from student groups and social organizations to strengthen public education advocacy.
