National: UP School Defies CM’s Fee Waiver for Aspiring IAS Girl
Political Storm Over Fee Waiver Refusal
A Class 7 student’s plea for a school fee waiver in Uttar Pradesh has ignited a political firestorm. Pankhuri Tripathi, studying at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Gorakhpur, sought aid after her family’s financial collapse, escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Samajwadi Party.
Family’s Financial Hardship
Pankhuri’s father, Rajiv Kumar Tripathi, lost his job after a severe leg injury, leaving the family unable to pay the school’s ₹1,650 monthly fee. With pending dues of approximately ₹18,000, Pankhuri approached Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a Janata Darbar on July 1, 2025, seeking support to pursue her IAS ambitions.
CM’s Assurance Meets Resistance
Adityanath assured Pankhuri that her education would continue uninterrupted, promising a fee waiver or financial assistance. However, the RSS-affiliated school management rejected the request, citing no provision for fee waivers and warning that concessions could jeopardize their operations.
Allegations of Misconduct
Pankhuri alleged that the school administration treated her family harshly when they sought the promised waiver. Distraught, she expressed unwavering faith in the Chief Minister, vowing to work hard to achieve her IAS dream despite the setback.
Opposition Seizes Opportunity
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, pledging to ensure Pankhuri’s education continues. Rajiv Tripathi, however, reaffirmed trust in Adityanath, dismissing Yadav’s offer while expressing hope for state intervention.
Ongoing Tensions and Silence
The school, run by Vidya Bharati, has remained silent on the controversy, declining to comment further. The Uttar Pradesh education department has reportedly communicated with the school, expressing optimism for a resolution, but no concrete outcome has been confirmed.