Derecognised school puts fate of students in jeopardy

'Departmental delay' cause of problem, says headmaster

Parents of several students studying at Gnanaganga Vidyapeetha in the city, staged a protest in front of the School on Thursday, following the withdrawal of recognition of high school classes.

While officials of the Department of Public Instruction have blamed the school authorities for delay in renewing the recognition, school authorities have blamed the Department for the same.

The protest was staged, following a meeting held at the School, regarding the withdrawal of recognition for high school classes.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shivaramegowda, Block Education Officer (South) said that during the meeting, students studying in tenth standard were requested to enrol themselves in other schools, and they will not be allowed to attend examinations under the School. Parents of students, who quickly arrived at the venue, staged a demonstration against the decision.

They said that such a move, in the middle of an academic year, would jeopardise the education of the students. Soon, Krishnaraja MLA, M K Somashekar arrived at the spot and promised to take up the issue with the Commissioner of the Department.

Financial irregularities

Shivaramegowda said that the recognition was withdrawn due to various factors. While schools have to renew their recognition every five years, management of Gnanaganga had not done so, despite being served with more than 20 notices in the past few years.

Moreover, there are also complaints of financial irregularities with respect to Student Welfare Fund, he said.

“However, following the concerns raised by the parents, who were unaware of the status of the school, we will submit a memorandum to the State, asking it to allow the students who are already studying in tenth standard to appear for the examination,” he said.

Seshadri K S, Headmaster of Gnanaganga alleged that the recognition was cancelled due to “departmental delays.” “We have repeatedly applied to renew the recognition. But, Department did not renew it, citing one reason after another,” he said.

He said that a letter regarding the withdrawal of recognition was received by the School on November 26. “We have petitioned the Commissioner of the Department to extend recognition for the current academic year at least,” he said.