Student Bandh Leads to Widespread School Closures on July 23

A statewide bandh called by student unions is set to take place on July 23, aimed at protesting the steep rise in tuition fees across educational institutions. Though the government has not officially declared a holiday, many private and government-aided schools and colleges have taken a proactive step by announcing closures for the day. This move is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety and avoid any untoward incidents during the protest.

The call for the bandh comes after weeks of rising tension among students and parents over recent hikes in school and college fees. Students argue that the increases are unjustified, especially in the wake of economic difficulties many families are still facing post-pandemic. The bandh is being organized by several prominent student bodies, including state-level youth federations, who claim the protest is necessary to draw the government’s attention to the crisis.

In major cities like Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar, students have already begun mobilizing support. Posters, social media campaigns, and press statements have helped build momentum for the protest. Many colleges are bracing for the impact by shifting assessments and rescheduling classes. Some institutions have even moved to online classes for the day to ensure academic continuity.

Parents, meanwhile, are divided in their reactions. While some support the cause and appreciate the closures as a measure to keep students safe, others are concerned about the academic disruptions caused by repeated protests. “The issue is genuine, but we also worry about how many more days of education will be lost like this,” said a concerned parent from Secunderabad.

Educational institutions have issued notifications via SMS, school portals, and WhatsApp groups to inform students and parents about the closures. While large institutions are following suit swiftly, a few smaller schools are waiting until the evening of July 22 to decide based on further updates from district authorities and police advisories.

Authorities have increased security in several key areas, especially around colleges, universities, and major roads, to ensure that the bandh remains peaceful. Police officials have also warned against any damage to public property or forced shutdowns of educational facilities. Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams have been placed on standby in sensitive zones.

Despite concerns, student leaders insist that the protest will remain peaceful. “We are not against education. We are fighting for education. Affordable learning should be a right, not a privilege,” said a representative of the Students Federation of India. The protest is expected to include rallies, sit-ins, and symbolic class boycotts at several locations.

As the state waits to see how the bandh unfolds, many are hopeful that it will spark serious dialogue between the government, educational institutions, and student bodies. Fee regulation has long been a debated issue, and this bandh might finally push it into the legislative spotlight.