• Source:JND

Karnataka Hassan Residential School: A government residential school in Hassan, Karnataka, has come under scrutiny after reports revealed that 172 students have been living and studying in a cattle shed for the past five years. The Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School is located in Shantigrama in Hassan taluk and is run under the Social Welfare Department.

The residential school has 92 boys and 80 girls studying in Classes 6 to 10. In the absence of a separate school building, the students have reportedly been accommodated in the shed, where classes, meals and sleeping arrangements are also being managed. The reported conditions have raised concerns about the availability of basic facilities for the students.

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Poor Sanitation and Basic Facilities Raise Concern

The reported living conditions at the school have raised serious concerns over sanitation and basic amenities. According to reports, there are only five toilets for 92 boys, while girls are also reportedly facing inadequate toilet facilities.

The cattle shed is said to have poor ventilation and limited natural light. Students of Class 6 have reportedly been attending classes while sitting on the floor. The lack of adequate infrastructure has led to questions about the arrangements being provided to students at the residential school.

Karnataka Government Says New Building Is Under Construction

Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has reacted to the reports and said that he would seek details from the concerned authorities. He described the arrangement as inappropriate and said students should not be made to study in sheds.

The Social Welfare Department has reportedly stated that construction of a new school building is currently underway. Officials said the students were accommodated in the cattle shed as a temporary arrangement because an alternative building was not available.

Opposition Questions Government Over Students' Conditions

The issue has also triggered a political reaction in Karnataka. Opposition leader R Ashok criticised the Congress government over the reported condition of the residential school and questioned the availability of basic facilities for students from disadvantaged communities.

Ashok also alleged that the government was paying Rs 1.08 lakh per month as rent for the building. He demanded that the students be shifted to a properly equipped facility and called for an investigation into the expenditure. He further warned of an agitation if immediate action was not taken.

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Education Minister Seeks Report on Hassan School

Following the controversy, the Education Minister has sought a report on the matter. Further action is expected after authorities examine the accommodation arrangements, construction of the new school building and the circumstances that led to students being housed in the cattle shed.

The development has brought renewed attention to the infrastructure and basic facility requirements of government residential schools. Authorities will now be expected to ensure that students receive a safe and suitable environment for education, accommodation, meals and other essential needs.


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