A government residential school in Karnataka has become the centre of a serious controversy. As many as 172 students have reportedly been living and studying in a cattle shed for the past five years. The Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School is located in Shantigrama in Hassan taluk. The school runs the wider social welfare department and has 92 boys and 80 girls studying in classes 6 to 10. Students have been accommodated in the shed because a separate building is not available. The same premises are being used for classes, meals and sleeping arrangements. Scroll to get more details.
Poor Sanitation and Basic Facilities Are a Major Concern
The reported conditions have raised serious questions about sanitation and basic amenities. There are allegedly only five toilets available for 92 boys. The girls are reportedly facing a lack of adequate facilities as well. The shed is said to have inadequate ventilation and very limited natural light. Class 6 students have reportedly been attending their lessons while sitting on the floor. These conditions have shocked many people across the state.
Political Reactions and Government Responses
Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has reacted strongly to the reports. He said he would seek details from the concerned authorities and called the arrangement inappropriate.he stated that temporary arrangements are made whenever a new building is sanctioned for construction. But he made it clear that it is not right to make students study in sheds. The social welfare department has said that construction of a new school building is currently underway. Officials reportedly stated that students were accommodated in the cattle shed as a temporary arrangement because an alternative building could not be found.
The issue has also triggered a political reaction from Karnataka Opposition leader R Ashok. He criticised the congress government over the reported condition of the residential school. He questioned the availability of basic facilities for students from poor and disadvantaged communities. He alleged that the government was paying Rs 1.08 lakh per month as rent for the building. Ashok demanded that students be shifted to a properly equipped facility and called for an investigation into the expenditure. He warned that the BJP would launch an agitation if immediate steps were not taken.
The education minister has now sought a report on the matter. Further action is expected after details regarding the school’s accommodation, the construction of the new building and the arrangements made for the students are examined.
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