99,207 dropouts back in school, State tells HC

The State government on Tuesday submitted to the High Court that it had brought 99,207 dropouts back to school through its special ‘out-of-school children’ survey programme.

During the hearing of a suo motu petition, the State government, in its affidavit, stated that of the total 1,68,621 dropouts, till August 5, it had brought over 99,000 students back to school. Of these, 77,586 students have been enrolled in schools in the first phase between May 16 and May 31.

During the second phase in July 2014, a total of 21,621 children have been enrolled in school. Government counsel R Devdas submitted that a special website www.vidyavah ini.karnataka.gov.in had been launched. “The public from any part of the State can upload information about dropouts and the government will immediately act on it,” he said.

The matter was adjourned after the government sought more time to bring back all dropouts to school. The government pointed out that the children of some construction workers are unable to go to school as they are tasked with looking after infant siblings by their parents, near construction sites.

The government said that it had directed BBMP, Women and Child department and Labour department to start adequate number of creches to look after infants, so that children can go to schools. The funds with the Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board will be utilised for the purpose.

Film release stayed

A City court has ordered interim stay on the release of Kannada film ‘Adhyaksha,’ following a complaint by Hindu Jana Jagruthi Vedike. According to the complainants, the film hurts the sentiments of Hindus, due to the portrayal of Lord Krishna in an objectionable manner in one of the songs. The film, starring Sharan, was scheduled for released on August 15.

When the counsel for producer Nandakishore approached the court, stating that scenes had been edited and sought that the stay be vacated, the court directed him to file an affidavit by Wednesday.