The massacre of government schools
Government schools are in news again. The only time when government schools feature in news is when they are due to be closed. Reports in the media say more than 3000 schools have been closed and more would down the shutters soon. Primary and Higher primary education minister N Mahesh has said they’d ensure the government schools are not closed for whatever reasons. Governments in the past gave similar assurances but then they could hardly stick to their promise.
Governments assure that the schools won’t be closed. But the unsaid meaning in this is ‘if they close, remember we weren’t responsible’. If the attendance of children consistently drops in a government school, they’d obviously be rendered useless and shut down sooner or later. Our politicians know this well. None of the schools in our state closed by themselves. There is an organized conspiracy behind this. If you starve a person to death, doesn’t that amount to murder? Similar is the situation with schools.
The basic infrastructure of the school is consistently destroyed, and no new measures are initiated to ensure they begin to work well. When they do not respond to the needs of modern times, schools will obviously go into the oblivion. And this act is carried out by the governments. All parents send their kids to school with the hope that they’d be well prepared to earn a livelihood for themselves in the future and be ready to face challenges too.
Hence, they choose the schools with much care. If they feel government schools are not meeting the needs of their children’s future, they’d obviously take their children to other schools.
There must be some significant reason behind making private schools inevitable for parents, by way of weakening the government schools despite supply of books, mid day meals, free uniform and books etc.
Government is probably playing a role in this closure too. While some schools are being shut down, some of them are being adopted by wealthy corporates who have set their eyes on the most valuable land on which the schools stand. But then, some organisations, social servants and volunteers are really doing a good job of running defunct government schools better than the government itself.
At the same time, some vested interests are planning to materialize their plans on this occasion when the schools are being rendered useless. This ‘adoption scheme’ is being used really well by some organisations. Today, some schools are much like children who are not wanted by either of the parents. And in private space, parents are struggling to meet the expenses of kids getting into nursery and primary, forget even higher classes. If the schools shut down, children coming under BPL category will have a tough time accessing education. Even the middle class will have to fall prey to costly education. Kannada, the language, will hardly have any chances of survival. In the future, there’d be clear demarcation between the ones that can afford education and the ones that cannot. This would increase the difference between the haves and have nots.
Even if the government worries one little bit about the people in bottom most rung of the society, it should not allow closure of government schools ever.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
