GORAKHPUR (Uttar Pradesh) – A heart-wrenching case from Gorakhpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s home turf, has turned political after a Class 7 girl’s plea for a school fee waiver was denied despite a public assurance by the CM himself.
12-year-old Pankhuri Tripathi, a student at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Pakkibag, approached CM Yogi during a janta darbar on July 1, requesting help after her father lost his job due to a serious leg injury. The CM reportedly promised financial support for her education and even gave her a chocolate, assuring her she would not face any obstacles in pursuing her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
But when Pankhuri and her injured father visited the school, the response was a stark contrast to the CM’s promise.
“They misbehaved with us. They said the fee couldn’t be waived and that teachers had to be paid. My father broke down, but I still trust the Chief Minister,” she said in a statement quoted by NDTV.
School Says ‘No Provision’ for Fee Waiver
The school, which is run by Vidya Bharati, the education wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), told the family that there was no policy allowing fee waivers, despite the CM’s assurance. The school charges ₹1,650 per month, and Pankhuri has accrued dues of around ₹18,000.
“If we waive her fees, many others will come, and the school won’t be able to function,” officials allegedly told the family.
Akhilesh Yadav Hits Out: “Don’t Lie to Children”
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav seized the moment to attack the ruling BJP, calling it the “truth of BJP’s fake slogans.”
“This is the reality behind ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’. We urge the BJP not to lie to children. We promise her education will not stop,” Akhilesh posted on X.
He also highlighted how a student was humiliated after a direct assurance from the CM, questioning the disconnect between government promises and ground-level execution.
Father Still Trusts ‘Maharaj Ji’
Despite the humiliation, Pankhuri’s father Rajiv Kumar Tripathi, remains hopeful that CM Yogi Adityanath will intervene:
“We’re associated with the Math. Maharaj ji will ensure my daughter’s dream is fulfilled.”
Gorakhpur, a city Yogi represented in Parliament for five consecutive terms, is home to the Gorakhnath Math, where he serves as the head priest.
Wider Questions on Systemic Accountability
This incident raises serious questions about the implementation of CM-level assurances, especially when schools run by the ideological parent of the ruling party itself deny such requests.
Critics are asking:
- Why wasn’t the CM’s promise followed up with a written directive?
- Why does a school under the RSS-run Vidya Bharati network have no mechanism for financial aid?
- What message does this send to children about trusting public promises?
The Broader Picture: Dreams vs. Bureaucracy
Pankhuri’s case is symbolic of a larger issue—children from struggling families often fall through administrative cracks, even when political will is expressed.
“I will work hard and become an IAS officer,” Pankhuri said, refusing to give up.
FAQs
Q: Who is Pankhuri Tripathi?
A: A Class 7 student from Gorakhpur who appealed to CM Yogi for a fee waiver after her father lost his job. Her request was initially accepted but later denied by her school.
Q: What is the school’s stance?
A: Saraswati Shishu Mandir, run by RSS-linked Vidya Bharati, claims it has no provision for fee waivers and must pay staff salaries.
Q: What was Akhilesh Yadav’s response?
A: He called it proof of BJP’s “fake slogans” and urged the party not to “lie to children.”
Q: Is the CM expected to intervene?
A: The family remains hopeful. There is no official word yet on any directive from CM Yogi to the school.
This incident now serves as a test case for how the Uttar Pradesh government handles personal assurances made in public, especially when it involves the future of a determined young girl.