Karnataka - Bangalore

Erring primary schools scrambling to accept voluntary scheme

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: With the deadline for the primary schools that have violated the medium of instruction to accept the voluntary scheme fast approaching, many such institutions are now scrambling to accept the scheme.

Deputy directors of public instruction in each district are being flooded with requests by these schools for application forms to accept the voluntary scheme.

Many schools have now realised that they cannot continue violating the undertaking they had given to the Government that they would teach in the medium of instruction in which they had been permitted to impart education.

The rush of schools in some districts is so pronounced that the DDPI of one district has been asked by the Education Department to grant fresh recognition to schools that had been derecognised. These schools had opted for the scheme and paid the penalty.

For, perhaps, the first time in many years, the schools now realise that they cannot get away with the violation. On the one hand they are facing pressure from the parents and on the other, the Government is sticking to its stand that it would not permit any violation.

The High Court of Karnataka too has not taken kindly to the schools that have violated the undertaking.

It has indicated that it would take a tough stand against such institutions. With a Division Bench slated to pronounce orders on an appeal on Wednesday, some of the schools thought it better to file affidavits before the High Court agreeing to abide by the undertaking they had given.

The principals and office-bearers of some of the schools were heard asking the Additional Government Advocate on how and where to file an affidavit.

Though some of these schools are members of associations that have challenged the order of de-recognition, they do not seem to be in the mood to wait and watch.

Several other office-bearers were on Monday overheard saying that their institutions would be better placed if only they had opted for the scheme.

But as they had moved the court, they would have to wait for the verdict before making their next move.

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