An indefinite protest has been launched in Nanjangud by the Karnataka State Akshara Dasoha Employees’ Association, demanding the reinstatement of dismissed kitchen workers, including Nagamma, who had served for 22 years at the Government Higher Primary School in Kandegal.
Protesters, supported by Dalit Sangharsh Samiti members, gathered in front of the Taluk Panchayat office, raising slogans and alleging unjust termination. According to District President K. Manjula, Nagamma was suddenly removed from her post by Gram Panchayat member Krishnamurthy and the school’s headmistress Rani, without due process. Despite appeals to officials — including the Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer and the Assistant Director of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Yojana — no action has been taken, she claimed.
Manjula demanded immediate re-employment of the ousted kitchen staff, and disciplinary action against Krishnamurthy, including the cancellation of his Panchayat membership. Protesters vowed to continue the agitation until MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan visits and addresses their grievances.
Further controversy arose when Assistant Director Somashekar allegedly sent a WhatsApp message warning kitchen workers not to join the protest, threatening termination for those who did. Many, fearing job loss, stayed away, protest leaders claimed, demanding accountability for Somashekar’s intimidation.
The demonstration saw participation from CITU District President Balaji, Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leaders, and numerous affected workers like Nagamma, Kamalakshi, Asha, and others.