Hot debate over warm clothes

Panel members spar over decision on sweaters for students

The announcement came from the Standing Committee for Education chairman B V Ganesh here on Friday. Accordingly, tenders will be called for, on December 6 and the entire process should be completed by December 18.

The Palike will purchase as many as 13,379 sweaters -- full and half sleeves -- for its schoolchildren. There are 7,836 children enrolled in BBMP-run high schools. A sum of Rs 50 lakh has been earmarked in the budget for the scheme, which is expected to cost Rs 45 lakh this year.

However, the proposal is not free from controversy. While appreciating the initiative, the members of the Standing Committee are cut up that they were not taken into confidence while announcing the decision.

“No prior information was given before making the announcement,” complained Geeta Srinivasa Reddy, a member.

The differences came to the fore when Ganesh said sleeveless sweaters were being provided to children along with full-sleeved ones, as “it is all about being fashionable these days”. That means one for winter and another for fashion.

The Domlur corporator, too, voiced her concern over the utility of distributing two sweaters as winter has already set in and tenders are yet to be called for.

“It will be February by the time tenders are called for and sweaters distributed. Was it necessary at this juncture to announce the scheme,” she asked.

Echoing her view, a few other members of the Committee, who refused to come on record, said they were never informed of the decision. But Ganesh justified his stance saying corporators did not have the patience to listen his ideas.

“Discussions need people to have some patience. There was never a difference of opinion, but it was more with regard to the intimation. A few members had discussed the issue and taken a decision,” he said.

Ganesh said high school children had become more fashion conscious and hence they were being given an extra sleeveless sweater. “These days, it’s all about looking good. A sleeveless sweater will give children something to feel good about,” he said.

English schools

The BBMP will open four more English medium schools that will likely start functioning the next academic year.

Presently, the Palike runs three English medium schools at Murphy Town, Broadway Road near Shivaji Nagar junction, and Jayamahal. The new schools will be chosen at a meeting soon.

Standing Committee on Education chairperson B V Ganesh said students studying in Kannada medium can join English medium from 5th standard or 8th standard. SSLC students studying in BBMP schools now have a reason not to miss classes as snacks will be served to them.