SIO Karnataka delegation flags RTE violations in KPS ‘Magnet’ school merger
Bengaluru: A delegation from the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) Karnataka visited KPS Honganuru and several other government schools to assess the ground realities surrounding the controversial KPS “Magnet” school merger policy.
During interactions with local teachers and school authorities, the delegation noted widespread outrage over the closure of neighbourhood schools and their proposed merger into select KPS institutions. Teachers expressed concern that the move would adversely affect access to education, particularly for children from marginalised communities.
SIO Karnataka stated that the closure of neighbourhood schools directly violates the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Citing Section 6 of the Act, the organisation emphasised that the government is legally bound to establish schools within walking distance of every child’s residence, a requirement undermined by the merger order.
The delegation also shared findings from a recent SIO-conducted survey with school authorities, highlighting several critical issues affecting government schools, including infrastructure gaps and accessibility concerns.
Reiterating its earlier opposition, SIO Karnataka condemned the closure of neighbourhood schools and urged the government to immediately withdraw the merger order.
The delegation comprised Mohammed Hayyan, State Secretary, SIO Karnataka; Abubakkar Siddiq, State Secretary, SIO Karnataka; and Mohammed Peer Latageri, ZAC Member, SIO Karnataka.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
