Karnataka: Schools divided; some suspend online classes

KEY STORY

• Schools in Karnataka were divided on joining the Bharat Bandh on Tuesday, which also led to a debate on social media.

• While Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) had announced it would support the bandh and not conduct online classes, CBSE and international schools’ associations had made it clear they will not lend support. Some schools continued with classes on Tuesday, while others suspended them.

  The principal of an international school tweeted that students need continuity of learning and classes will be held. “Pls share details on what % of farmers in #Karnataka are impacted by the #FarmersBill2020 which led to @KAMSKARNATAKA suspending classes? #education is a fundamental right, #students have suffered enough this year pls let’s not add to it,” tweeted Nooraine Fazal of Inventure Academy.

  “…Please don’t drag schools into this. It’s not in our circle of expertise, influence or control. Arrange for scholarships for farmers kids, seminar to create awareness on the bill for school kids…more helpful,” she said in another tweet.

• However, KAMS accused schools not participating in the bandh of not being sympathetic to farmers as there were no cultivators in their parent community. “We know that International school parents are also corporate parents and these schools do not have poor farmers’ children on their rolls. Budget schools provide them quality education, so naturally the mindset of international schools is no different (sic),” said KAMS in a response.

• Some other educationists also came out in support of KAMS, saying when even foreign countries are extending support, why can’t the schools show solidarity by suspending classes.

• Several CBSE schools conducted classes as usual. “As a school we do not have any connect with political agendas and we’re working.

• The bandh has nothing to do with children’s learning progress,” said Shanthi Menon, principal, Deens Academy.