Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has issued notices to more than ten private schools and colleges after receiving complaints that they conducted classes despite officially declared holidays due to heavy rainfall. Many of the complaints were reportedly made by students, prompting the administration to seek explanations from the institutions and warn of stricter action for future violations.
Heavy rain prompts repeated holiday declarations
Heavy rainfall has continued to affect the coastal districts of Karnataka as the southwest monsoon has gathered intensity after a delayed onset. Dakshina Kannada has been among the worst-affected districts, with persistent rain disrupting normal life and raising concerns over public safety.
In view of the adverse weather conditions, the district administration declared holidays for schools and colleges on three separate occasions over the past week. The move was intended to ensure the safety of students, teachers and staff, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, waterlogging and landslides.
Despite these precautionary measures, several private educational institutions allegedly remained open and conducted classes during the notified holidays, leading to complaints from parents and students.
Notices served to more than ten institutions
According to sources, the district administration has now issued notices to over ten schools and colleges in Mangaluru and other parts of Dakshina Kannada for violating the holiday orders.
The institutions have been directed to submit detailed reports explaining why classes were conducted despite the official notification. Based on their responses, the administration is expected to decide on further action.
Officials said the notices were issued after repeated instances of non-compliance, even after warnings had already been given.
Students played a key role in reporting violations
One of the significant aspects of the issue is that many of the complaints reportedly came from students themselves. Sources said students contacted the district administration through telephone calls and other communication channels to inform officials that classes were being conducted despite the declared holidays.
These complaints enabled officials to verify the violations and initiate action against the institutions concerned.
The administration has viewed the complaints seriously, considering that the holiday orders were issued in the interest of student safety during severe weather conditions.
Institutions were warned after earlier violations
Officials said this was not the first instance of schools ignoring the holiday notifications.
During the first declared holiday, some institutions allegedly conducted classes despite the administration’s orders. Following those complaints, officials issued warnings and instructed the institutions to strictly comply with the closure directives.
A similar situation reportedly occurred during the second holiday declaration, after which the administration again intervened and ensured that the institutions remained closed.
However, complaints surfaced once more when classes were allegedly conducted during the third holiday period, leading the administration to issue formal notices.
Administration warns of stricter action
The district administration has made it clear that educational institutions are expected to strictly adhere to official holiday orders issued during emergencies.
Officials have reportedly warned private schools that repeated violations could lead to stronger action, including recommending cancellation of their licences if they continue to conduct classes despite government orders.
They also emphasised that the provisions of the Disaster Management Authority are stringent and that institutions are legally bound to comply with directions issued during situations affecting public safety.
Authorities have urged all schools and colleges to treat such orders with utmost seriousness and avoid placing students and staff at unnecessary risk.
Plan to announce holidays earlier
The administration is also considering changes in the way holiday decisions are communicated.
In previous years, taluk-level holidays were often announced only on the morning of the closure. By then, many students had already prepared to travel to school, causing inconvenience to families.
To address this issue, officials are exploring the possibility of announcing holidays in advance whenever weather forecasts indicate the likelihood of severe rainfall. Such a move would help parents, students and educational institutions plan accordingly while ensuring public safety remains the top priority.
With heavy rain continuing across the coastal region, the district administration has reiterated that all educational institutions must comply with official directives issued during weather-related emergencies. Authorities have indicated that they will closely monitor compliance and take appropriate action against any institution found violating future holiday orders.