MANGALURU: Only six of the 14 class 10 students from a residential school for tribal children in Madya, Surathkal, are expected to return when regular classes resume on Monday.
Although regular classes for SSLC and II PU students began on January 1 across the state, Kendriya Madari Vasathi Shale, managed by the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), will reopen only on Monday.
Most students at this school hail from the Koraga community, an economically backward one, or are from other districts.
“We believe no effort is being made to bring these students back,” a teacher said. “Since most of them are poor, they have not logged in for online classes either. We fear they have dropped out. Academically, these children lag behind and many of them may have discontinued schooling to take up odd jobs.”
The warden has been accused of not visiting the school regularly. Teachers say they are not only paid less than their counterparts elsewhere, but also have not received salaries.
However, Dr Hemalatha BS, project coordinator, ITDP, refuted the allegations and said efforts are being made to motivate parents to send their children to school. “Last year, the student strength was 143. Of the 14 students scheduled to take the SSLC exam, students from outside the district have decided to move to other schools and six local students have agreed to rejoin from Monday.”
She insisted there is no delay in reopening. “The hostel is open and books and food have been arranged. We are hoping to start classes for grades 9 and 10 from Monday,” she said.