Udupi: In a concerning revelation, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary expressed dismay that nearly 2,000 government schools close every year across the state. He emphasized that aided schools, primarily serving economically disadvantaged children, suffer due to neglect from the government. “These institutions were started with the purpose of educating our communities. It’s high time the government steps in to support the 2,400 aided schools, just like it does for the 48,000 government-run schools,” he urged.
The MP was speaking during a school uniform distribution ceremony at IYC Hall, Udupi, organized by the Heggunje Rajeeva Shetty Charitable Trust in association with the Udupi District Aided Schools Association. The event saw 20,000 students from 200 aided schools receive free uniforms.
Dr. H.S. Shetty, the founder of the Trust, shared how the initiative began 17 years ago with just 500 children and has continued without government help. “Despite its impact, there’s little support from authorities,” he lamented, stressing the need for the state to back such community-led efforts.
At the event, veteran writer and educator Indira Halambi was presented with the Heggunje Rajeeva Shetty Vidyaposhaka Award. Dr. Shetty was also felicitated for receiving an honorary doctorate from Bangalore North University.
Udupi MLA Yash Pal Suvarna presided over the function, with dignitaries like Prof. Ashok S. Alur and Murali Kadekar in attendance. Young achiever Sriram from Haladi Rajeev Shetty Govt School was also recognized.