UP: Schoolchildren allegedly forced into manual labour in Banda; viral video sparks outrage

Banda (Uttar Pradesh), May 2 (IANS) A shocking incident has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district, where children studying in a junior high school were allegedly forced to perform manual labour. A video showing students, dressed in their school uniforms, loading sand has gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns about the functioning of the Education Department.

The incident is reported from Achharaund Gram Panchayat in Banda. In the viral clip, several children can be seen using shovels and metal pans to load sand, work considered inappropriate and illegal for minors. Allegedly, the task was assigned to them by school authorities, including teachers.

The video was recorded by Mahendra, son of Rampal and a resident of Acharaundh village. Mahendra claims that his children, Riyansh and Riyansi, are enrolled in the same junior high school. He has alleged that the students are not only being made to carry out manual labour but are also subjected to discriminatory treatment at the school.

Expressing anguish over the situation, Mahendra said, “My children go to school to study, yet they are being made to perform manual labour there. I humbly appeal to the government and the administration to investigate this matter and take the strictest possible action against those responsible.”

The incident has triggered outrage among locals and on social media, with many demanding strict action against those involved. Forcing children into labour within school premises and outside is not only unethical but also a punishable offence under the law.

In response to these allegations, District Basic Education Officer, Avyakt Ram Tiwari stated that all schools were closed on Friday. He added that the viral video had not yet come to his attention; however, if such a video is indeed circulating, an enquiry will be conducted into the matter, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

Although child labour for children aged 6 to 12 has been declared a criminal offense, children are being turned into labourers by their very teachers within the schools.