Teachers in Kodagu district have raised serious concerns about the gradual shutdown of Kannada-aided schools due to low student enrollment and submitted a formal appeal to MLA A.S. Ponnanna. These schools, some dating back to the 1950s and established with the help of local benefactors, have long been pillars of quality education in the region. Now, many are being forced to shut their doors.
Current regulations from the state education department mandate a minimum of 25 students per class. Despite tremendous efforts by school staff, who are personally funding transportation and mobilising donor support to boost admissions, many children from economically weak families struggle to attend regularly.
Teachers revealed that when school inspectors find attendance falling short, headmasters receive warnings, and salaries are withheld. They pointed out that Kodagu’s rugged terrain and scattered population make it difficult to maintain consistent attendance and enrolment.
Over a hundred educators, led by Kollira Bopanna, vice-chairperson of the Kuttandi High School Trust Board, gathered at Ponnanna’s Virajpet office to discuss the issue. Acknowledging their grievances, the MLA praised their role in helping the district secure fourth place in the state’s SSLC results and vowed to resolve the matter of delayed salaries.
Nagaraju, district secretary of the Aided Schools and Colleges Employees’ Association, suggested that any decision to shut schools should involve prior consultation with local MLAs. Others called for flexible norms and proper staff transfers through counselling if closures occur.