Rs 100 'infra fee' from govt schools withdrawn

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The BJP-led State government on Saturday withdrew an order from the De - partment of Public Instruction (DPI) asking school development and monitoring committee (SDMC) to collect Rs 100 from the parents of each student in government schools for “infrastructure development” after facing backlash from many quarters.

The proponents of the order insisted that the parents will not be coerced, while others pointed out that it was open to misuse and made working class parents vulnerable to harassment.

The order drew criticism from the Opposition Congress’ Ramalinga Reddy, who branded the State government “blood thirsty”, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, AAP Bengaluru city president Mohan Dasari and All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO), who termed it “donation in government schools.”

The roll back was announced by State Education Minister BC Nagesh, who had been in Mysuru, claimed that he was unaware of the circular. “The circular was issued at the commissioner's level without my knowledge. I have instructed that the circular be withdrawn with immediate effect,” he said.

“It is the commissioner of DPI who has issued the circular, based on the suggestions by SDMCs. The Commissioner has constitutional powers to issue such circulars, without bringing it to the notice of the minister concerned. It is not mandatory for parents to give donations,” he added.

State secretary of AIDSO Ajay Kamath called the roll back a victory of people’s movements. “In the background of widespread opposition, the government has withdrawn its decision to collect Rs100 as donation fee in government schools.

Students, parents, educationists, teachers and student organizations across the state questioned the government's decision and there was widespread opposition. This victory speaks volumes about the importance of movement. This is a victory of the people. United opposition and the fighting spirit has led to this success.

AIDSO hereby calls upon all the students to stay united and be prepared to build stronger movements when such policies are implemented in the future,” he said. Bengaluru-based The Concerned for Working Children (CWC) Director (Advocacy) Kavitha Rathna had also condemned the move, calling it “disturbing.”