Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051218040300.htm

Karnataka - Mangalore

Officials criticised for poor state of affairs in ashram schools

Staff Correspondent

MLA wants the schools to be brought under Department of Public Instruction

ADVICE FOR OFFICIALS: N. Yogish Bhat, MLA, addressing a gathering after inaugurating a discussion on empowerment of ashram schools in Mangalore on Thursday.

MANGALORE: Speakers at a discussion meet on empowerment of ashram schools managed by Department of Social Welfare stressed the need for ensuring better facilities to students here on Thursday. There was unanimity of views on the deplorable attitude of officials and others concerned in managing these schools and injustice done to students on this count.

Yogish Bhat, MLA, who inaugurated the meeting and released a booklet based on study of conditions at the schools carried out by Valored, said there was a thinking to bring these schools under the Department of Public Instruction.

He advised the officials concerned to create the right atmosphere for children. "Wardens should monitor their education. Professionals can lend their expertise on a voluntary basis to meet the educational needs of students in specialised subjects," he said.

A.M. Kunjappa, Chief Executive Officer of zilla panchayat, lauded the initiative taken by Valored in conducting a study on ashram schools in the district. He said the panchayat routinely conducted in-house assessment of their functioning.

The Chief Executive Officer said he had noticed that officials lacked social concern while handling affairs of such educational institutions.

Mr. Kunjappa said the staff shortage caused uncertainty in handling the affairs of the school and many hostels. Even the quality of wheat and rice supplied to schools by government agencies was not up to the mark, he said. "We have instructed officials concerned to ensure that these grains are processed properly," he said.

Panchayat president Mamatha D.S. Gatti, who presided over the function, advised the officials to look after the children with love. She stressed on the need for good teachers to be posted in these educational institutions. Ms. Gatti said the panchayat had decided to appoint women wardens in schools where there were girl students. "We have directed the District Health and Family Welfare Officer to conduct periodic health check-up camps for students, especially girls on specified days in a month and provide them the right kind of medical and dietary advise," she said.

Earlier, Reshma Ullal welcomed the gathering and delivered introductory remarks.

Chidambar Bykampady, journalist and Renny D'Souza, Director of Valored, were present. The meet was organised by Valored, Mangalore, under the aegis of Department of Social Welfare, Integrated Tribal Development Programme and Dakshina Kannada District Education Resource Centre, Mangalore.