DDPI sees need to re-build 276 old classrooms

These classrooms are in 183 govt. school buildings in the district

There is a need to re-construct 276 old classrooms in 183 government school buildings in Dakshina Kannada by demolishing the existing classrooms, according to Y. Shivaramaiah, Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) of the district.

Stating this at a general body meeting of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat here on Monday, the DDPI said that he has written to the Public Works Department seeking a technical report whether they could be razed to the ground. The report has been sought on the suggestion by the government.

Mr. Shivaramaiah said that the zilla panchayat did not have funds in its kitty to re-construct the classrooms. Hence, when approached the State government, the latter has asked to get the technical report from the PWD on whether those classrooms were fit to be razed to the ground. The government has assured of sanctioning funds to re-construct the classrooms if the PWD recommended it.

Mr. Shivaramaiah said that those classrooms were in poor condition. Hence, they should be re-built.

Earlier, K. Koragappa Naik, former president of the panchayat, told the meeting that in a government school at Andaru-Patrame near Dharmasthala, students of two classes were being taught now in the headmaster’s room as the classrooms were in dilapidated condition. After the rainy season, the classes will be held outside under a pandal. As a result, parents refuse to send their children to the school. Now, they have been pacified to send their children to the school. Government schools faced the threat of closure due to such issues. There was a need to address them immediately.

Some members told the meeting that the property of some schools were being encroached upon due to absence of proper land records and compound walls for schools. Pointing out at a specific case, a member said that the property of the government school in Karaya near Uppinangady was being encroached upon.

Responding to the same, Meenakshi Shantigodu, president of the panchayat, instructed the Block Education Officers to get the land records transferred in the same of all government schools within a month.