Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 10: Heavy rain continues to lash the coastal region. As a precautionary measure, the Dakshina Kannada district administration had repeatedly declared holidays for schools and colleges. However, complaints were received that some private institutions ignored the orders and conducted classes even on the notified holidays. Notably, many of the complaints were lodged by students themselves. Consequently, the district administration has issued notices to all such institutions.

The delayed southwest monsoon has intensified across the state, with the coastal districts receiving particularly heavy rainfall. Last week, the district administration declared a three-day holiday for educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada. Despite this, complaints surfaced that classes were held during the holiday period, leading to notices being served to more than ten schools and colleges in the district.

Although holidays were announced on three occasions owing to the heavy rain, several institutions failed to comply. Following the first violation, the district administration warned the institutions and directed them to observe the closure. Similar warnings were issued after a second violation, and officials ensured that the institutions were shut. However, classes were reportedly conducted once again even during the third holiday period.

Sources said notices have now been served to over ten schools in Mangaluru. The institutions have been asked to submit reports to the district administration, following which appropriate action is expected to be taken.

It is noteworthy that a large number of complaints against schools and colleges that remained open despite the holiday orders came from students, who contacted the district administration by telephone and other means. According to sources, these complaints prompted the issuance of notices to the institutions concerned.

Officials have also warned private schools that if classes are conducted in future despite declared holidays, the government may be urged to cancel their licences. They further cautioned that the rules and laws of the Disaster Management Authority are stringent and must be strictly followed.

Previously, taluk-level holidays were often decided only on the morning of the closure, by which time many students had already prepared to leave for school. This year, the administration is considering taking such decisions in advance to avoid inconvenience.