Karnataka Private Schools to Observe 'Black Independence Day' on August 15, Alleging Corruption

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Private School Managements, Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Coordination Committee (KPMTCC), which represents around 8,000 private schools across the state, has announced its decision to observe "Black Independence Day" on August 15. This protest is aimed at highlighting the alleged corruption within the state Education Department and the significant challenges private schools face in operating freely.

The KPMTCC states that the protest is a response to what they describe as systemic corruption across various government departments. These departments, including Fire Safety, Public Works, Revenue, the Child Rights Commission, and the Police, are accused of harassing school administrations and demanding bribes for essential documents and approvals.

For the past five years, private school managements have alleged that the Education Department has been issuing daily orders without adhering to consistent rules or following legal guidelines. This has created an environment of uncertainty and frustration among the unaided educational institutions in the state.

Despite the court's rulings, the Education Department has appealed against these quashed orders, which the schools believe is an attempt to perpetuate corruption tied to the renewal of recognition for private institutions. The schools have expressed deep disappointment that, despite waiting 1.5 years for the new government to address these issues, no significant action has been taken. They have made multiple appeals to the current Chief Minister, Mr. Siddaramaiah, and the Deputy Chief Ministers, but claim that their concerns have gone unaddressed.

The schools allege that the present Education Ministers have failed to provide solutions or curb corruption within the department. They also criticize the department for implementing rules and software applications that make it nearly impossible for schools established before 2017-18 to apply for recognition or renew their existing recognition.

Adding to their grievances, the KPMTCC notes that over the past 20 months, the new government has failed to honor court orders and address the concerns of these institutions. Despite numerous appeals to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is known for his stance against corruption, and Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, no significant steps have been taken to address the issues or curb the corruption that the schools claim is rampant within the department.

In light of these challenges, the KPMTCC has decided that on August 15, the heads of educational institutions, along with teaching and non-teaching staff, will wear black armbands to mark "Black Independence Day." This symbolic act is meant to draw attention to the lack of freedom and ease in running schools in Karnataka and to demand immediate action to address the alleged corruption and bureaucratic obstacles that hinder the delivery of quality education.