A Class 5 student in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district staged a three-hour protest on Saturday after school staff denied her boarding on the school bus. The denial stemmed from alleged unpaid transportation fees. Surabhi, a student at Gurusaab Public School, sat directly in front of the vehicle, blocking its path in Chunahajuri village.
Student Protest in Betul District
The incident unfolded in Chunahajuri village. This location is within the Chicholi block, situated approximately 60 kilometers from the Betul district headquarters. Videos capturing Surabhi’s sit-in protest quickly went viral across various social media platforms. She maintained her demonstration in front of the bus for nearly three hours, drawing significant local attention to the dispute.
Police Intervention and Resolution Efforts
Hariom Patel, Chicholi police station in-charge, responded to the scene. Patel initiated a direct conversation with Surabhi’s parents during the protest. He emphasized that blocking the bus prevented other students from attending school. Patel also extended an offer of financial assistance if the family faced genuine economic hardship. Police officials subsequently persuaded Surabhi to peacefully end her protest. “After explaining the situation, the girl was moved away, and the bus was sent on its route,” Patel confirmed, detailing the immediate resolution.
Family’s Account of Boarding Denial
Durgesh Yadav, Surabhi’s father, provided his account of Saturday morning’s events. He stated that the school bus arrived in their village as scheduled. The bus operator permitted all other children awaiting pickup to board the vehicle. However, the driver explicitly refused entry to his daughter, Surabhi. “After that, my daughter sat in protest in front of the bus,” Durgesh Yadav reported. This direct refusal prompted Surabhi’s immediate sit-in demonstration against the school’s action.
Distress and Discrimination Allegation
Surabhi’s mother, Asha Yadav, described her daughter’s emotional response. She stated Surabhi experienced considerable distress and upset after being denied access to the bus. “She was under stress, so she sat in front of the bus,” Asha Yadav explained. She also voiced concerns regarding potential unequal treatment. “Children should not be discriminated against in this manner,” Asha Yadav asserted. Surabhi is officially admitted to Gurusaab Public School under the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
School’s Financial Claims and Counter-Allegations
Amit Yadav, principal of Gurusaab Public School, presented the institution’s perspective on the matter. Principal Yadav confirmed Surabhi’s enrollment under the RTE Act. He clarified that while the RTE Act guarantees free education for eligible students, its provisions do not extend to covering transportation expenses. Principal Yadav asserted that the family’s outstanding school bus fees had accumulated substantially over time. He claimed the unpaid amount specifically for Surabhi’s transportation totaled between Rs 40,000 and Rs 42,000 . Principal Yadav also made a serious accusation against Surabhi’s father. He alleged Durgesh Yadav physically assaulted the bus operator when the bus arrived in the village on Saturday. Furthermore, the principal claimed that Yadav’s elder daughter had previously attended Gurusaab Public School. For the elder daughter, unpaid school and bus fees reportedly amount to approximately Rs 1.5 lakh , according to the principal.