From exam reforms to school reforms: How CJP is changing political discourse

From exam reforms to school reforms: How CJP is changing political discourse NEW DELHI, A wave of student-led activism, initially centered around exam integrity and academic transparency, has evolved into a broader movement targeting the quality of government education. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), known for its grassroots mobilization, has taken center stage in this shift, launching the “School Thik Karo” campaign to highlight systemic failures in public schooling across multiple states. What began as a call for transparency in exams has transformed into a nationwide push for accountability and reform in educational infrastructure, drawing attention from both local communities and national policymakers. The campaign gained momentum following the Gen Z-led protests at Jantar Mantar, where students successfully pressured the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government to remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of NEET paper leaks. This success inspired younger generations, referred to as Gen Alpha, to extend the movement beyond urban centers, bringing attention to rural and semi-urban areas where government schools often lack basic amenities. The CJP’s social media platform, X, became a hub for sharing images and videos documenting the deteriorating conditions of these institutions, sparking widespread outrage. In Rajasthan, the campaign faced immediate resistance. Just two days after CJP announced its focus on improving school standards in the state, the education department introduced strict regulations limiting access to government schools by outsiders, including journalists and activists. These rules required prior approval from school authorities before any photography, videography, or interviews could take place within campuses. The directive also warned of legal consequences for violations, effectively creating barriers for independent scrutiny. This policy came under fire when a CJP inspection team attempted to visit a government school in a rural area on August 21. The visit turned violent, with locals reportedly preventing the team from entering the premises. Footage captured the tense encounter, showing members of the group being physically restrained, shoved, and even subjected to stone-throwing and property damage. Locals claimed the intervention was unnecessary, arguing that the community had no interest in external political interference in local education matters. The incident escalated the campaign’s profile, drawing comparisons to the Jantar Mantar protests, which saw law enforcement using force to quell demonstrations. Simultaneously, similar unrest unfolded in Uttar Pradesh. Gen Alpha students staged multiple protests over issues such as teacher shortages, caste-based discrimination, and poor facility management. In one instance, students at a government school in Kannauj boycotted classes and protested against the principal for allegedly ordering tree-cutting within the campus. At another site, students surrounded the vehicle of a school administrator and raised demands, while others in Fatehpur and Hamirpur focused on infrastructure improvements, including the construction of roads leading to their schools. In Unnao, a residential school witnessed a mass protest over substandard food, limited water supply, and perceived mismanagement by staff, resulting in temporary disruptions to local traffic. In Maharashtra, the CJP’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, conducted a detailed social audit of government and municipal schools in Latur district. His findings revealed severe neglect, with some schools lacking even basic sanitation and learning materials. Dipke criticized the state government, stating that officials received better treatment than students, and called for the resignation of Education Minister Dada Bhuse. His remarks sparked controversy, leading to a police investigation against CJP leaders for unauthorized entry into schools, disruption of operations, and threats to educators. State governments have increasingly used administrative measures to counter the CJP’s efforts, citing existing rules to justify restrictions on outsider involvement in school affairs. However, the campaign continues to gain traction, with more students and parents joining calls for greater oversight and investment in public education. As tensions escalate, the question remains whether these protests will lead to meaningful policy changes or further polarization in the political landscape.