Adityanath’s counter to CJP’s school campaign; videos to invite FIRs

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered police to register FIRs against those allegedly spreading false information on social media about the functioning and infrastructure of government schools in the state.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting with senior government officials, amid growing online campaigns highlighting alleged deficiencies in government schools. The move follows the School Theek Karo campaign launched by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been urging people to document and expose infrastructure problems in government schools nationwide. Student protests have also been held as part of the campaign.

The government had earlier restricted the entry of outsiders, including YouTubers, into primary and upper-primary schools in several districts. The restrictions came under scrutiny after videos showing alleged poor-quality midday meals triggered protests. Authorities subsequently revised the orders, allowing parents and School Management Committee members to visit schools and assess their functioning.

Chief Secretary S.P. Goyal has, meanwhile, directed divisional commissioners and district magistrates to ensure adequate infrastructure, sanitation, and essential facilities in schools. Officials have been asked to monitor monsoon-related cleanliness, drinking water availability, and electricity in classrooms, and to ensure that students receive quality meals under the PM POSHAN scheme.

The issue has also triggered political mobilisation. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh has launched a social media campaign highlighting the condition of government schools in Uttar Pradesh and urged people to send him images and videos showing their actual condition.

The government’s response has intensified the confrontation over whether criticism of school conditions represents legitimate public scrutiny or misinformation.