An FIR has been filed against Samajwadi Party leader Rachna Singh Gautam for allegedly running an unauthorised “PDA Pathshala” outside a government school in Shahampur Garhi village, Bilhaur block, Kanpur, without permission from local authorities.
An FIR filed against Samajwadi Party leader Rachna Singh Gautam for allegedly conducting an unauthorized “PDA Pathshala” (classroom) outside a government primary school in Shahampur Garhi village, located in the Bilhaur development block of Kanpur.
Additionally, a case has been registered against another Samajwadi Party leader and approximately a dozen individuals in Bhadohi for allegedly involving schoolchildren in protests against the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to merge schools with low enrollment, according to officials.
The “PDA Pathshala” in Bilhaur reportedly violated several regulations, including those under the IT Act and the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Gautam allegedly conducted similar “classes” in other villages as well. She organized the “pathshala” without prior approval from local authorities and continued the program despite objections from the school administration, as stated in the complaint by the block education officer (BEO).
It is claimed that children were taught political slogans and references associated with the SP’s PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) campaign during the “pathshala” held near the government school.
BEO Ravi Kumar Singh confirmed that photographs and videos of the event have been submitted to the district administration.
In these visuals, students can be seen reciting phrases linked to the SP, and some videos allegedly show inaccurate basic educational content being taught. Gautam reportedly circulated these materials on social media herself, Singh noted.
The BEO stated,
“Running such parallel educational setups without any official recognition or permission is illegal. No arrangement can operate alongside a government institution without due process. What was done here is unauthorised.”
The FIR includes allegations of misuse of a government facility, dissemination of misinformation, and the political exploitation of children.
Gautam claimed that the FIR is politically motivated, stating,
“The government is trying to silence voices who are working for marginalised children. I will continue holding such classes. The closure of schools affects the PDA children the most.”
In Bhadohi, district magistrate Shailesh Kumar reported that 40 students from the primary school in Sikandra village, located in the Aurai block, were relocated to a vacant anganwadi center in the nearby village of Pilkhani, approximately 800 meters away, with parental consent.
He mentioned that local Samajwadi Party leader Anjani Saroj, along with her supporters, visited the anganwadi center on Wednesday, distributing pencils, erasers, and other supplies to the children. Subsequently, she allegedly enticed the students with toffees, handed out banners and posters, and led them in a protest march back to the Sikandra primary school.
This situation was investigated by the chief development officer and the sub-divisional magistrate, after which the school’s headmaster filed a complaint at the Chauri police station. Officials confirmed that a case was registered against Saroj and others on Thursday evening.
Due to alleged negligence in the situation, a departmental inquiry has been initiated against Ramakant Singroul, the assistant education officer of Aurai.
According to station house officer Ramesh Kumar, a case has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on the headmaster Sabhajit Yadav’s complaint.