Students brave sun, snakes to attend classes under tree

Raichur: It has been more than one-and-a-half-year since the Government Higher Primary School building in Askihal village on the outskirts of Raichur was razed down, as it was in a dilapidated condition. This had rekindled hope among the students and teaching community that they would move into a new building. However, owing to delays in constructing the school, students have been forced to attend classes under the shade of a tree, out in the open.There are about 150 primary students, and due to a lack of classrooms, classes are held in old high school buildings in two shifts. While classes are held for high school students from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm, primary school students attend classes in the building from 1 pm to 5 pm.However, since the number of primary school students is more, the teachers are forced to conduct classes in the open, under the shade of a tree. Parents of the wards have expressed their resentment to this move as students are exposed to the risk of snake bites, besides braving the scorching heat.The whole system of academic learning has been affected, as even the teachers have to adjust to the new schedule.“It is pathetic to make children sit outside as it cripples their academic performance. The authorities concerned must at least provide a temporary container within a week to ensure that children are not exposed to the harsh sun,” said AIDSO district secretary Basavaraj and threatened to launch a protest soon.There are over 5,000 teaching posts vacant in the district. While on one side, the government is closing schools for want of children, on the other, there are no teachers or classrooms, even though the students’ strength is good. Children of this region are not getting quality education,” lamented Kalyana Karnataka Pradesh Abhivruddi Horata Samiti state vice-president Razaq Ustad.KKRDB grants assistanceA proposal to build new classrooms has been submitted to KKRDB. Parents had drawn the attention of previous Deputy Commissioner Nitish K and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Eshwar Kumar Kandu to the requirement of classrooms. Hence, the issue has been taken up seriously, said officers from the  Education Department.Meanwhile, Raichur BEO Eranna Kosagi said that grants have been sanctioned to build new classrooms and the works will be taken up soon.

Source: Deccan Herald