Karnataka Public School in Mandya accused of charging fees despite free education policy: Report
Mandya: A government-run Karnataka Public School (KPS) in K.R. Pet, Mandya district, has come under scrutiny after accusations surfaced that it has been charging fees from students although the institution is supposed to impart education free of cost.
Parents of students attending the school have alleged that they were being charged between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000 per student for the academic year. According to a parent quoted by Deccan Herald on Thursday, when they questioned the school authorities, they were told that the fees were being levied because the institution was offering education in English medium.
The fee collection has sparked concern not only among the parents but also within the School Development Monitoring Committee (SDMC), which has complained to the Block Education Officer (BEO) about the alleged practice. However, despite the complaints, no action has reportedly been taken by the BEO so far.
Some students were reportedly issued receipts acknowledging the payment of fees. Interestingly, the receipts were issued under the name of a private coaching institute, DH added.
Additionally, some parents revealed that they were asked to deposit the fees into a joint bank account registered under the names of the SDMC chairman and the school principal.
Puligeraiah, the in-charge principal of the school, who took over duties only on July 1, claimed that he was unaware of the issue.
Meanwhile, the Department of School Education has sought a report from the Mandya Deputy Director of Public Instruction regarding the allegations.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
