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Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Govt school in Puttur overcomes closure threat, booms with admissions
Mangaluru: Once teetering on the brink of closure around seven years ago, DK ZP Govt Higher Primary School in Samethadka, Puttur taluk, underwent a remarkable transformation. From a mere 18 students at one point, enrolment soared to 180 this academic year. It attracted children from not only Samethadka, but also surrounding villages, proving that collective determination can indeed save and revitalise a govt school that was once on the verge of closure. This transformation was achieved with the help of Namma Shale Samethadka Charitable Trust, which helped bolster its basic infrastructure. With dedicated efforts from the trust, the SDMC, locals, the school adoption programme, and education experts, the school received a second lease of life. It all started in 2018-19 when Maria Ashraf came as the headmistress to the school. Recalling the condition of the school, Maria said that only 18 children were studying from classes 1 to 7. "I was worried about the closure of the school and expressed my concerns with SDMC members and locals on how it could be averted. A suggestion came up to start LKG-UG, and it started in the year 2020-21 when Covid-19 hit the country. From that year onwards, with the help of SDMC and others, the school started to see progress, and last year the total admission, including LKG/UKG, was 150, and this year it already crossed 180," said Maria. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo She said that the role of many locals and their strong support shaped the school's development. One of them is Gopalkrishna Bhat, who adopted the school to develop it. Later, he formed a charitable trust to enhance basic facilities. Meanwhile, an education expert and local, Dinesh Kamath, made special efforts for the school's growth. He helped curate many programmes that put the school in the limelight. As the numbers increased, the school needed facilities. "Through the help of donors and govt schemes, classrooms were added. To help students from far-off places, two of our alumni have made free transport arrangements," Maria said. Green cover Apart from increasing the student population, the school also increased its campus green cover. Three years ago, the dream of creating a fruit orchard at the school began to take shape. Senior student Mohammad Fayiz contributed to procuring and planting fruit saplings, transforming the campus into an orchard. There are about 25 varieties of fruit trees on the 1.5-acre campus. Additionally, there are 30 areca nut trees in the school premises. A rich vegetable garden complements the midday meals.


Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Sarawak braces for hot, dry weather as southwest monsoon hits; authorities on high alert for bushfires
Uggah says all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 30): The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast hot and dry weather conditions for Sarawak starting from the second week of June, said State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman said all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase. 'Bushfires could break out due to the situation,' he cautioned when chairing an SDMC meeting here on Thursday. He added that the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Miri Municipal Council, and other relevant agencies have been placed on high alert, especially in fire-prone areas such as Kuala Baram. He emphasised the importance of maximising the use of lookout towers and ensuring all tube wells are fully operational. 'The NREB should fly their drones when any signs of smoke are detected there,' he said, while issuing a stern warning to landowners against open burning. 'We will take action against them (landowners) if this happens. In a nutshell, all must be fast and effective in responding to any bushfire occurrences to minimise the impacts and damages,' he said. On a related note, he revealed that the state cabinet is set to decide whether individuals who refuse to evacuate to flood relief centres will remain eligible for the government's compassionate assistance fund, known as Wang Ihsan. 'They may have their reasons, but we need to establish clear criteria,' he explained. 'For instance, a longhouse may be inaccessible due to flooding and the victims are given food ration – but are they still entitled to receive the financial aid?' He also disclosed that some 21,000 victims were identified during the last flood event. bushfires douglas uggah embas dry hot weather lead SDMC


Hans India
27-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Rs 11 crore allocated to repair of schools in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi
Mangaluru: With the new academic year approaching, the Karnataka government has approved Rs. 11 crore for repairing government school classrooms in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, ensuring facilities are ready for students by May 29. The repair initiative targets 750 classrooms across 312 schools in Dakshina Kannada, with Rs. 6.97 crore allocated, and 699 classrooms in 228 schools in Udupi, with Rs. 4.11 crore sanctioned. In Dakshina Kannada district, the repairs span 57 schools in Bantwal, 48 in Beltangady, 37 in Mangaluru North, 69 in Mangaluru South, 23 in Moodbidri, 49 in Puttur, and 29 in Sullia. In Udupi district, the work covers 46 schools in Udupi city, 32 in Kaup, 66 in Kundapura, 34 in Karkala, and 51 in Byndoor. The Deputy Directors of Public Instruction (DDPI) for both districts, Ganapathi K (Udupi) and Govinda Madival (Dakshina Kannada), have directed Block Education Officers (BEOs) and head teachers to expedite the repairs and submit completion reports to district headquarters, especially in light of the impending monsoon season. The DDPI offices emphasised the urgency of completing repairs promptly to avoid disruptions. 'The allocated funds must be utilised efficiently to prepare classrooms for the new academic year. Schools are also directed to take monsoon-related precautions while admissions and inspections continue,' stated Ganapathi K. and Govinda Madival. Preparations for the academic year include inspections by head teachers, staff, School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members, and alumni associations to ensure facilities are functional.


Time of India
30-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Old govt school in Hubballi lacks toilets, basic facilities
Hubballi: Govt High School in Kuradikeri, Hubballi taluk , is grappling with a severe shortage of basic facilities. Established before independence, the school now operates its high school classes from the primary school building. High school students are deprived of toilets , playground, and other basic amenities, and the toilet block that was being constructed remains incomplete. Despite repeated requests by the school development and monitoring committee (SDMC) to the govt, there has been no progress. Children are suffering without toilet facilities for many years. Girl students face challenges during their menstrual cycle, and skip school to avoid complications. There is only one toilet room which is used by female staff and children. Looking at these problems, a toilet room was sanctioned in 2023, and the work was carried out by Karadikoppa GP, but was left incomplete. Basavaraj Waddar, president of SDMC of Govt School Kuradikeri, told TOI that in 2012, the state govt sanctioned a high school for the convenience of four to five villages nearby. After 2017, the student strength of the school increased, and approximately 208 children are enrolled now. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Highest Earning College Majors—2025 Edition Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads Learn More Undo Waddar said that they are facing infrastructure issues and are managing to run classes in the primary school building. "Around Rs 2 crore funding was sent back as there was no space to construct toilets for girls," he added. Parents expressed concern saying that their children are facing hardship. They urged that hygienic toilets must be constructed for students. Umesh Bommakknavar, block education officer of Hubballi Rural, said that the high school infrastructure is left incomplete, as they are facing issues with the land. "Every year, crores of funds released to the school are returned. The school has approached donors and construction of the three classrooms will begin soon. They have requested the GP to complete the construction of toilets at the earliest," he said. Karadikoppa PDO Savita Kabber assured that toilet construction will also be taken up.


Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt adopted school lands in controversy, SDMC takes over
Mangaluru: The upgraded Govt Higher Primary and High School 's adoption by a local club, which occurred 10 years ago, proved beneficial in averting its closure and boosting student enrolment from 28 to 1,040, while providing additional facilities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, the situation has now become contentious and the responsibility of the school has been handed back to the SDMC. The dispute stems from claims that the club demanded payments from parents for various services, breaching contractual terms. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the utilisation of school premises for right-wing activities with support of local leadership. The school was adopted in 2015 by Sri Durga Friends Club in Bantwal led by Prakash Anchan and others, and contract is renewed after five years. So far they have completed two terms. "The contract ended about five months ago, and when it was sent for renewal, the issue was raised regarding the collection of fee from students by the trust running it. As per the contract it is illegal to collect any fee from the children attending a govt school. The department also received receipt books as a proof for monetary transaction at the school. As there are allegations, the renewal has been withheld till issue is resolved," an official from the department of education informed. Prakash Anchan stated that fee was collected to bear the cost of eight schools, taken against a loan amounting to Rs 1 crore, to pay salaries of the guest teachers and other support staff. "We have done nothing illegal and everything for the welfare of the govt school. Not only that, over a decade, through the trust, Rs 4 crore was brought in to construct a new classroom and other infrastructure. Now, due to one person who is in the teaching position, we (club) are suffering. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We have not conducted any right-wing activities. There are lot of loans taken and we are now bound to repay it," said Anchan, adding that the local MLA of Bantwal constituency, U Rajesh Naik, has already informed about giving permission to extend the adoption contract. With the handing back of power to the SDMC, the club is not allowed to interfere in any administrative or other matters concerning the school. Govinda Madivala, DDPI, Dakshina Kannada, said that due to the allegation levelled against the club which is under investigation, the responsibility to run the school is handed back to the SDMC. It is left to the govt to further extend the adoption contract. MLA Naik was not available for comment.