Headline: Outrage in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda as Schoolchildren Allegedly Forced into Manual Labour; Viral Video Sparks Investigation Demand

The incident has been reported from Achharaund Gram Panchayat in Banda. In the viral footage, several children, dressed in their school uniforms, can be seen using shovels and metal pans to load sand. The activity, widely regarded as hazardous and illegal for minors, is alleged to have been assigned by school authorities, including teachers.

The video was recorded by Mahendra, son of Rampal and a resident of Acharaundh village. Mahendra has stated that his children, Riyansh and Riyansi, are students at the same junior high school. He has accused the school of not only forcing students into manual labour but also subjecting them to discriminatory treatment within the institution.

Expressing deep concern and distress, Mahendra said that his children attend school for education but are instead being made to perform physical labour. He appealed to the government and the administration to conduct a thorough investigation and to take strict action against those found responsible.

The incident has provoked strong reactions among local residents and across social media platforms, with many calling for immediate accountability. Forcing children into labour, whether within or outside school premises, is considered both unethical and a punishable offense under the law.

Responding to the allegations, District Basic Education Officer Avyakt Ram Tiwari stated that all schools were closed on Friday and that the viral video had not yet come to his attention. He added that if such a video is indeed circulating, a formal inquiry will be initiated and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

The case raises serious concerns about the enforcement of child protection laws, especially within educational institutions. Despite strict legal provisions declaring child labour for children aged six to twelve as a criminal offense, the incident highlights a troubling scenario where students are allegedly being turned into labourers within the very environment meant for their education and development.