TGT-PGT Students' Protest in Prayagraj Hits Day 4: Chaos at Education Directorate
TGT-PGT teacher candidates in Prayagraj enter fourth day of protest demanding recruitment under old rules. Police file cases against 200 protesters.
The tension in Prayagraj has reached a boiling point as the TGT-PGT students protest Prayagraj entered its fourth consecutive day on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Hundreds of aspiring teachers have laid siege to the main gate of the Education Directorate, demanding that the government revert to old recruitment rules for their appointments.
A Siege at the Education Directorate
The atmosphere remained volatile as demonstrators effectively blocked the primary entrance to the Education Directorate. In response to the growing unrest, police authorities have deployed heavy barricading to prevent further incursions into the government premises.
The current agitation, which began on Monday, October 26, 2026, was sparked by a breakdown in communication. A delegation of students had previously met with the City Magistrate and the ADM City, but the meetings ended in frustration as the candidates failed to secure any concrete assurances regarding their demands.
Escalation and Allegations of Violence
The situation took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. In a surge of anger, hundreds of students managed to breach four layers of police barricades, storming the Education Directorate premises.
Following the breach, reports surfaced of chaos within the office. Allegations of vandalism, damage to office furniture, and the manhandling of staff members emerged. This led to legal action after Mohammad Saifi, the Directorate caretaker, filed a formal complaint.
The Civil Lines police have since registered a case against approximately 200 unidentified protesters. The charges include rioting and the obstruction of official government work. Authorities are currently scrutinizing CCTV footage to identify the individuals involved in the unrest.
What the Students Are Demanding
The protesters are not merely asking for a review but are demanding a written order from the government or the concerned commission. Their primary grievances include:
- Reversion to Old Rules: Candidates affected by the new recruitment guidelines are demanding another opportunity to sit for the examination under the previous regulations.
- Removal of Marks Criteria: There is a strong demand to scrap the 50% marks requirement that was introduced in the new guidelines.
A History of Unresolved Grievances
This is not the first time these candidates have taken to the streets. This current wave of protests follows a grueling 19-day hunger strike held at Patthar Girjaghar from September 5 to September 23, 2026. Despite the extreme measure, that strike failed to yield a resolution, leading to the current escalation.
While administrative officials attempted to negotiate with the students on the night of October 28, 2026, the candidates remained steadfast. The students have accused the administration of attempting to stifle their peaceful dissent through intimidation tactics and the filing of criminal cases.