Lucknow Primary School Headmaster Suspended After Allegedly Selling Student Textbooks to Scrap Dealer

Lucknow | January 5, 2026

The headmaster of a primary school in Nawazkheda village under Mohanlalganj tehsil, Lucknow, has been suspended after it was alleged that textbooks meant for students were sold to a scrap dealer instead of being distributed for educational use. The incident came to light after a video showing the scrap dealer carrying sacks of school books went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among local residents and parents.

The suspended headmaster, Ravindra Gupta, was placed under suspension following the Basic Shiksha Adhikari Vipin Kumar’s confirmation of the action. Officials described the incident as a serious lapse in school administration and adherence to responsibilities. The suspension order cited clear reasons, while authorities declined to comment further.

According to an official involved in the inquiry, who requested anonymity, both workbooks and textbooks were available at the school premises. The official noted that even if there was negligence during inspections, the books should have been properly distributed to students rather than being sold as scrap.

The matter surfaced last week when the video began circulating online. It shows the scrap dealer exiting the school premises with multiple sacks filled with textbooks meant for Classes 1 to 5. Local children reportedly stopped the dealer and opened one of the sacks, confirming that the materials belonged to students. Footage also showed several sacks, estimated around six, loaded onto a cart, along with a nearby motorcycle rider. The total weight of the books and other materials was estimated to be about two quintals. The video was recorded by a local youth and shared widely on social media, prompting a strong response from the community.

Following the viral video, the Basic Education Department ordered a formal inquiry into the incident. On Wednesday morning, block education officer Sushil Kanaujia visited the Nawazkheda primary school to inspect the premises. During the inspection, he interacted with local residents and recorded statements from the scrap dealer involved in the case to determine the circumstances under which the books were sold.

The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges in government schools in Lucknow, where textbook shortages remain a persistent issue. Reports indicate that around 20 percent of students in both urban and rural primary schools in Lucknow are still without complete sets of textbooks. Teachers had submitted requisitions for textbooks to block education officers as early as July and August, but supplies have yet to reach several schools, exacerbating the situation for students and families.

Parents and local residents have expressed concern over how educational resources meant for children could be diverted in such a manner. The viral footage has sparked conversations about accountability in school management and the need for regular monitoring to ensure that educational materials reach the students they are intended for.

The Basic Education Department has assured that a detailed inquiry is underway and that necessary action will be taken against those found responsible. Officials have emphasized that the priority is to recover the misappropriated textbooks and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance in government schools, particularly regarding the distribution of essential learning materials. It also reflects broader systemic issues, including delayed supplies and lack of oversight, which can impact student learning outcomes in primary education. Authorities have pledged to take corrective action to restore trust among parents and ensure that children receive the resources they need for their studies.

Lucknow Primary School Headmaster Suspended After Allegedly Selling Student Textbooks to Scrap Dealer

The headmaster of a primary school in Nawazkheda village, Lucknow, Ravindra Gupta, has been suspended after textbooks meant for students were allegedly sold to a scrap dealer. The incident came to light when a video showing the dealer carrying sacks of books went viral on social media, sparking outrage among parents and local residents.

Basic Shiksha Adhikari Vipin Kumar confirmed the suspension, calling the matter a serious lapse in school administration. Officials noted that while there may have been some negligence during inspections, textbooks and workbooks were available at the school and should have been given to students instead of being sold as scrap.

The viral video shows local children stopping the scrap dealer and opening sacks filled with textbooks for Classes 1 to 5. Around six sacks, weighing roughly two quintals, were loaded on a cart. Following the video, the Basic Education Department ordered an inquiry, and block education officer Sushil Kanaujia inspected the school, interacted with residents, and recorded statements from the scrap dealer.

The incident also highlights the ongoing shortage of textbooks in government schools, with around 20 percent of students in Lucknow still without complete sets. The department is investigating the matter and promised corrective action to ensure students get the learning materials they need.