Kannada School Crisis Sparks Protest in Chikodi Over Neglected Facilities
Activists from the Chikodi district unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) organized a significant protest at Basava Circle in Chikodi on Friday, voicing urgent demands to save Kannada schools located in border areas. The demonstrators called for the immediate provision of basic facilities and the appointment of teachers to address the deteriorating state of these educational institutions.
Protesters Decry Government Apathy and MLA Silence
The protesters raised loud slogans against what they described as government apathy and the silence of local MLAs regarding the plight of Kannada schools. Their key demands included not only providing essential amenities but also rebuilding dilapidated school buildings that pose safety risks to students.
Sanju Badiger, the taluk president of KRV, emphasized the need for dedicated teaching staff focused solely on education. He stated, "Separate personnel should be appointed to handle school cleanliness and safeguard school materials and property. A complete overhaul of the education system is necessary, with specific attention to developing Kannada schools. The Chikodi Block Education Officer has failed to address these issues and should be replaced immediately with a permanent appointment."
Dire Conditions in Border Village Schools
The schools in border villages are reportedly in a state of severe disrepair. Activists highlighted that roof tiles are missing, walls require whitewashing, and poor children are forced to learn in fear due to unsafe environments. In a memorandum submitted to the government, they lamented that superiors and MLAs lack the financial commitment to prioritize these schools, calling it a "sad situation".
Official Response and Promises of Action
Subhash Sampagavi, the assistant commissioner of Chikodi, quickly intervened by rushing to the protest site. He persuaded the activists by immediately convening a meeting of officials to discuss government Kannada schools. Sampagavi assured that efforts would be made to rebuild these schools and provide the necessary basic facilities.
Additionally, DDPI Seetaram affirmed their readiness to save and develop Kannada schools, signaling a potential shift in administrative focus.
Additional Demands for School Security and Infrastructure
Social worker Chandrakant Hukkeri expanded on the demands, advocating for enhanced security measures. He said, "Every school should be equipped with CCTV cameras, barriers, and gates. The negligence of superiors and legislators towards government schools is unacceptable. Clean drinking water units are absent, and we urge the immediate start of reconstruction for all schools along with the provision of basic facilities."
Key Participants in the Protest
The protest saw the participation of numerous KRV activists, including:
- Pratap Patil
- Sunil Teradale
- Sanju Kamble
- Anil Navi
- Khanappa Badakar
- Rafiq Pathan
- Amul Navi
- Shivaji Khade
- Basavaraj Badiger
- Malu Karennavar
- Satish Pujari
- Sanju Latte
- Kumar Patil
- Rudrayya Hiremath
- Dundappa Badigera
- Satyappa Kamble
- Mohan Patil
- Shubham Kadama
This collective action underscores the growing frustration over the neglect of Kannada schools in border regions, with activists pushing for swift governmental intervention to ensure quality education and safe learning environments for students.
