Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Apr 10: DK district administration, department of women and child development, Karnataka Bal Vikas Academy jointly organized a dialogue programme with the rural school children of Dakshina Kannada district on April 10 in the city.

The programme began with invocation and lighting of lamp.

The school children of various schools of rural areas expressed thier concerns and troubles they face in their school.

A student from Moraji Desai school from Machina explaining the situation of the school said, "There is a liquor and tobacco store just 100 meters away from our school. The students are getting influenced by it." 

In reply, A B Ibrahim, deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada said, "There is a strict law which says that no one is allowed to sell liquor and tobacco within the 200 meters of the school. In spite of this, we know that few are breaking the rules. Regarding this school, I will personally visit the spot soon and if the shop is found within 200 meters of teh school, immediately the licence will be cancelled and shop will be closed." 

A student named Harsha U Kotiyan from government higher primary school, Handelu, Moodbidri who won the gold medal in national level karate championship and has qualified for the international level expressed her concern over lack of sponsors or funds in school to participate in the international-level kumite championship to be held at Malaysia. She needs Rs 1.5 lacs to meet the expenses.

In reply A B Ibrahim said, "We will find an alternative solution for the student, we will help you under the special provision soon."

A student expressed the concern over the growing usage of mobile phones by the students in the school. In reply to that Asha Thimmappa Gowda, Dakshina Kannada Zilla panchayat president said, "It is the students who force the parents to buy the phones. I am also a mother so I know the demands of the kids. Children do not need the mobile, if parents use or others use. children have to focus on the studies."

Children of various schools expressed other concerns like lack of toilet facility, lack of teachers of computer studies, water issues, lack of books, infrastructure etc. The ZP took note on all the issues raised by the students and promised the students that they will provide solution for all the concerns and problems.

Sreevidya P I ZP CEO, ACP G V Subramanya and others were present at the occasion.