In a troubling incident from Homma village in Chamarajanagar taluk, a government school is on the brink of closure following the appointment of a Dalit woman as the head cook. The Homma S.H.P. School, which had an enrollment of 22 students for the 2024–25 academic year, now has only one student remaining.
The sharp decline in student numbers began shortly after the Dalit woman took over mid-day meal duties. Parents began withdrawing their children, seeking Transfer Certificates (TC) and enrolling them in other institutions. So far, 12 students have officially transferred, and the remaining have initiated the process.
While some allege that caste prejudice may be influencing the parents’ decisions, no parent has openly acknowledged this or given clear reasons. The absence of transparency has only intensified concerns of underlying discrimination.
Shockingly, the school now operates with just one student and two teachers, turning a once active learning space into an almost abandoned building. Previously, some parents had also accused teachers of neglecting their duties, claiming that instruction quality had dropped significantly.
The school, once known as a place of knowledge, now stands nearly vacant—raising alarms about both social exclusion and educational neglect. If this trend continues, the institution may be forced to shut down altogether, leaving the future of rural students uncertain.
Authorities are urged to investigate the matter thoroughly and intervene before this classroom turns into yet another symbol of caste-based marginalisation.