The movement originated as a satirical social media account created in May in response to a Supreme Court judge labeling unemployed youth “cockroaches.” After mobilizing thousands against university entrance exam fraud—leading to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in late July—the group launched the “School Thik Karo” (“Fix the School”) campaign in August.
During an inspection attempt in Western Uttar Pradesh, a team led by 27-year-old activist Saurav Das found a school locked down by local officials and surrounded by a newly built 3-meter wall to prevent access. Undeterred, activists livestreamed the situation on social media, sparking public outrage and drawing support from local residents who voiced frustration over absentee teachers and neglected infrastructure.
Using a 20-point evaluation list created with education experts, the group documents issues like leaking roofs, lack of drinking water, unsanitary bathrooms, and students studying in makeshift spaces or flooded streets. Their findings, published online, highlight a broader crisis: Budget Cuts: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), federal education spending dropped from 4.6% in 2014 to 2.5% in 2025–2026, leading to the closure of over 93,000 public schools over ten years. Marginalized Groups: Activist Abhijeet Dipke launched the “Adivasi School Thik Karo” initiative to draw attention to native tribal students, who face severe discrimination, low higher-education enrolment (22.8%), and hazardous school conditions.
Movement leaders argue that state neglect creates an uneducated population vulnerable to political manipulation. Looking forward, the movement aims to replace the current political gerontocracy with younger leaders, while expanding its protests to target issues like election commission irregularities.
The Internazionale.
- https://www.internazionale.it/magazine/carole-dieterich/2026/10/01/gli-scarafaggi-vogliono-aggiustare-la-scuola-indian
- ww.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/09/27/en-inde-le-parti-des-cafards-denonce-l-etat-de-decrepitude-des-ecoles-on-traite-les-enfants-pire-que-des-animaux_6784481_3210.html
