Karnataka: Girl misses test chance over fee; minister S Suresh Kumar reaches out

BENGALURU: Greeshma Nayak N, the daughter of a Tumakuru farmer, scored 96 per cent in class 9, but lost her school admission because of nonpayment of fees. Consequently, she did not get the hall ticket for the upcoming SSLC exams, which left her devastated. On Saturday, primary and secondary education minister S Suresh Kumar visited the family’s home and assured her that she would not lose the whole year.
Though she won’t be able to write the papers on July 19 and 22, she will get a chance in the August supplementary exams. The development follows a series of appeals made by Greeshma to save her academic year.
Greeshma and her family live in Hanumanthapura, Tumakuru district. She was enrolled in a residential school in Dakshina Kannada. After she completed class 9, the school reportedly demanded Rs 1 lakh fee for the next grade. “We had suffered losses during the Covid lockdown and couldn’t pay the full sum. I was not admitted to the new grade. My family promised to pay up later, but my name never made it to the list,” she said.
Her father, Narasimha Murthy, said that despite the financial hardship, he paid Rs 35,000. “But the school said that it would admit my daughter to class 10 only after the full payment. We did not want any waiver; we only wanted more time,” he said.
He added: “My daughter knocked on all doors for help, writing to various government departments and education officials in Tumakuru and Dakshina Kannada. Officials refused to intervene, saying it was an issue between the school and parents. This is what happens to people who do not have money.”
Eager to appear for the SSLC exams, Greeshma wrote an email to Kumar, who visited her house on Saturday. “She was very upset about everything, but the minister assured to help her get a college seat if she clears the exams in August,” Murthy said. Greeshma, who has won prizes in debate and essay writing competitions, said that she wanted to become a doctor and save lives.
Kumar said that about 18,000 students in the state were facing exam-related problems. Two students in Bagalkot district did not get hall tickets despite enrolling. “We learned that the students’ photos were not submitted. I have directed officials to ensure that these students get a chance to appear for exams,” he said.