Mysuru: An 85-year-old school located on the city outskirts has now become the centre of a controversy, with locals and organisations alleging that it will be merged with a nearby school, which is 2.3 km from the school. A village-level committee has been formed to oppose the school closure.According to locals and volunteers of the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), the Belavadi govt Higher Primary School, with over 300 students, was mapped to merge with the Koorgalli school. Both these schools are located on the outskirts. On Sunday, a protest was held in the village demanding that state govt drop the plan.A villager Nanjnunda, 45 years old and old student of the school, said that the school has good student strength, mainly from families of economically and socially weaker sections of society. “If the school is merged, our children are forced to either opt for a local private school or travel to a faraway school,” he said.“For generations, this school has been imparting education to children. In the name of KPS Magnet Schools, this should not be closed down,” he urged.AIDSO district secretary Nithin said that in Mysuru, several govt schools with good student strength and facilities are mapped for closure. “Govt schools are the lifeline of the poor in rural areas. It is deeply regrettable that the govt is attempting to close such institutions. This is betrayal of people in the state,” Nithin alleged.Locals said that they have formed a Save Belavadi Govt School Committee that includes locals and parents.However, education department officials made it clear that no decision on the school merger was taken. “No order was issued or consultation was held in this regard. This is speculative,” said a department officer.
