Lokayukta takes up suo motu proceedings

The Lokayukta has taken up suo motu proceedings acting on the media reports about the plight of the students in Kodagu district.

Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty has directed the authorities to explore ways to accommodate displaced students at schools and colleges in the neighbouring districts.

The Lokayukta stated that one of the issues that required immediate attention was to make alternative arrangements for the students who have not been able to join the schools, colleges and hostels in Kodagu.

The Lokayukta stated that the dislocation of students would result in loss of one academic year and it affects their academic curriculum and future life.

The order quoted media reports that buildings of educational institutions have collapsed and have become totally unsuitable for classes both at pre-metric and post metric level.

“I am fully conscious of the extraordinary efforts that are being made by the district administration to reinstate the people and make alternative arrangements to rehabilitate the students of Kodagu district. The district administration through the local bodies like grama panchayaths, taluk panchayaths and NGOs can identify students who have been dislocated and to identify their parents or close relatives. Both private and government schools and colleges within the Kodagu district and in the neighbouring districts of Mangaluru, Mysuru and Udupi can be identified,’’ Justice Shetty stated in the order.

The Lokayukta has directed the officials to immediately take steps on the restoration of classes for students and submit a report by September 18.