Mysuru: The state chief minister is certainly going to encounter unpleasant moments when he visits the primary school at Kuppegala village on August 29, where he once did his schooling.
Chief Minister is set to unveil a logo to empower government schools in the state as well as inaugurate the school alumni association during his visit.
However, his pro-Dalit stance is bound to undergo a litmus test as the post of the cook to serve mid-day meals in the school has remained vacant for over 2 years.
It all began, when the government reserved the post of cook to serve mid-day meals to scheduled caste community. When scheduled caste women took over the position, they faced ostracism as the parents and guardians of other communities refused to send their wards to school.
When the student strength started dwindling, the school management succeeded in extracting the cook’s resignation to prevent the school from facing imminent closure due to lack of student strength.
On the other hand, it has given rise to one more problem as none of the Dalit women are coming forward to occupy the vacant post fearing societal backlash. The post has remained vacant for over 2 years and the Headmaster Chikkadeva has expressed his helplessness in resolving the issue as none is coming forward to occupy the post.
Dalit women prefer to stay without job than bear insults, say few residents.
The tricky situation as of now is whether to recruit Dalit women to the post or brace for village school closure!
With political leaders making beeline to take a share out of Dalit vote bank by doling out assurances and hosting meals, CM’s pro-Dalit stance will undergo severe test for sure when he visits his old school this evening.
