Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, June 19: Parents and students of Kodibengre Higher Primary School in Udupi protested by locking up the school gate demanding withdrawal of the transfer order of a school teacher.
In a scuffle between the school officials and the protesters around six children were injured and admitted to a private hospital in Udupi.
As many as 80 students are stydying in Kodibengre Higher Primary School from 1st grade to 7th grade. Currently, three teachers are serving in the school. The education department has ordered the transfer of one of the teachers, which has been severely opposed by students and their parents.
Studying the situation, local leader Ramesh Thingalaya said, “The government officials instead of directly closing the school are using different methods to shut the school. I request education officers, businessmen and politicians to adopt this government school and develop it instead of using it for their benefit. This is very disappointing.”
He further questioned, "how can two teachers teach 80 students? Children are facing trouble due to lack of proper teaching staff in the school. Earlier police threatened us with a warning of arrest when we protested. We got to know again that another teacher has been given marching orders. We need at least seven teachers. Students from poor backgrounds study here. Such decisions will deprive the students of quality education."
The Kodibengre government school has been serving students from the past 98 years. In the academic year 2020-21, according to the statistics the number of students was minimal.
According to the statistics for the academic year 2022-23, the number of students was 67. This is the only government school in Kodibengre village. The parents demanded that the education department officials should drop the idea of transferring teachers and instead provide additional teaching faculty for the the school. A minimum of four teachers are required and rules and regulations of the education department must be changed to save the school, requested the parents.