Karnataka government plans to reopen schools without earmarking special funds: MLC

MANGALURU: MLC Ivan D’Souza has alleged that the state government has been planning to reopen schools without earmarking funds, under pressure from political leaders, who run private institutions.
Quoting officials, the Congress leader said that the chief minister’s economic relief package has not earmarked any funds for the primary and secondary education department. The government is also not equipped to start online education in government schools, as the internet coverage is only 20% in Karnataka, he said.
The government should understand the problems faced by poor children who are denied facilities, he said.
“Think about the trauma poor children may undergo when they are unable to attend online classes,” D’Souza said, urging the government not to take a hasty decision.
“The principal secretary for the primary and secondary education department has informed at a meeting of the backward classes and minority welfare committee on Thursday, that the number of children from backward classes studying in government schools in the state is 20.4 lakh. Meanwhile, 5.7 lakh children are from the minority category, 10.9 lakh children from scheduled caste (SC), 4.9 lakh from scheduled tribe (ST) and 1.1 lakh children from general category, are pursuing their studies in government schools in Karnataka. The government is taking a decision by ignoring the problems of children from backward classes, minority, SC and ST categories. The government is under a wrong impression that all children from these categories have internet access and other facilities to opt for online classes. The government is not equipped with facilities to commence online classes,” D’Souza said.
“Primary and secondary education department in its reply has informed that no funds have been sanctioned under the chief minister’s special package for primary and secondary education. At any cost, the government should not think about reopening schools at this stage. No poor parents are ready to send their children to schools in private vehicles,” D’Souza said.