Daijiworld media network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jul 11: The management of Panchanabettu School has called for the continuation of the school amidst an order to close down Kannada medium schools.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, July 11, A Narasimha, president of Panchanabettu Vidyavardhaka Sangha, said, "The Department of Education has issued an order to close down Panchanabettu Vidyavardhaka High School, citing a shortage of students. The department has transferred the teachers to another school, claiming no improvement in the situation. However, the school management has appointed four private qualified teachers. Currently, the school has a total of 35 students, and the admission process is open until the end of July."

This closure order is the third attempt by the department, but the school administration's request has enabled the school to operate for 33 years. In a previous instance, a former student named Varshitha wrote a letter to the Prime Minister's office, requesting to save the only high school in her village. Consequently, the government permitted the school to continue its operations. However, citing a minimum number of students, the department has now issued an order for the school's closure in 2023.

A case has been registered in the High Court against the educational department and the head teacher of the school for their alleged involvement in illegal activities to shut down the school. However, a stay order has been issued within a few days.

Since its inception, the school has been providing free education to students without relying on donations. Despite the current enrollment of 35 students, the school is willing to admit more students and offers hostel facilities. It operates solely through the support of donors and the local community, without any government grants.

Ashok, the secretary of Panchanabettu Vidyavardhaka Sangha, and Ravindra Acharya, a member of the school's management committee, were also present at the press meet.