Class 7 girl promises fee waiver by CM Yogi; School says 'not possible'

A Class 7 student in Gorakhpur, Pankhuri Tripathi, was assured of a school fee waiver by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a Janata Durbar on July 1. However, the school where she studies, Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Pakkibag, has denied the waiver request, stating there is no such provision available.

Pankhuri’s father, Rajiv Kumar Tripathi, suffered a serious leg injury after falling from a terrace during the Covid pandemic and had to leave his job. With no stable income and two children studying in English-medium schools, he approached the Chief Minister for support. Pankhuri’s school charges ₹1,650 monthly, and she has pending dues of approximately ₹18,000. After receiving the assurance from the CM, the family visited the school but was reportedly told that no fee exemption could be provided.

The student stated, “I had gone to the Chief Minister with a fee pardon request. He gave me a chocolate and assured me that it would be done. But when I went to school with my father, they misbehaved with us. We were told that the fee couldn't be pardoned. They said that if more parents sought a fee pardon, the school wouldn't be able to function. They said they have to pay teachers.”

Rajiv Tripathi said his daughter has not attended school since February due to the unpaid dues. He explained that he chose to continue his son’s Class 12 education instead, while considering withdrawing Pankhuri for a year. He said, “Then it struck me that I could approach the Chief Minister for help. We went to Janata Durbar on July 1 and sought his help. He immediately asked officials to ensure that my daughter's education does not stop.” The father added that the school allegedly misbehaved with them and repeated that no such waiver policy existed.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has reacted by offering to fund the girl’s education. In a post, he said, “We promise that her education won't stop. This is the truth of the BJP's fake slogans of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. We urged the BJP not to lie to children.” When informed of the support offered by Yadav, Tripathi said, “He has tweeted. But we are associated with the Math and Maharaj ji and we believe he would ensure my daughter's education.” An education department official confirmed that the state government has written to the school and a positive response is expected soon.