Bengaluru: As pro-Kannada organizations have called for a “Karnataka Bundh” on Thursday, February 13, to urge the state government to implement the Sarojini Mahishi Report, which stresses on providing reservations for Kannadigas in public and private sector jobs and in MNCs, the state education department has decided not to shut schools and colleges (private and government).
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, February 12, state education minister Suresh Kumar said, “Schools and colleges will not be closed on Thursday, February 13. The decision of whether to close or not is the prerogative of the district administrations, based on the situation.”
According to reports, although the private institutions have decided not to close for the day, the drivers’ association has decided to join the protest, where school and college buses, as well as most private vehicle owners, are expected to participate.
While over 600 different organizations have called for the bundh, the transport organizations’ chiefs have warned the cab, lorry, truck and other vehicle drivers of strict action if they do not participate in the protest. On the other hand, the KSRTC and BMTC have passed strict orders stating that none of the workers will join the protest and if they join, the corporation would take stringent action against violators.
As per reports, the Bengaluru ‘Namma Metro’ services will also run as usual on Thursday.
Meanwhile, it is expected that over 84 lakh vehicles of the state will be halted in support of the protest.
