Hassan, Karnataka: As many as 172 students of the Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School in Shantigrama, Hassan taluk, have allegedly been living, eating and attending classes in a cattle shed for nearly five years, amid concerns over poor sanitation, inadequate ventilation and a lack of basic facilities, according to an India Today report
The school, which is managed by the Social Welfare Department, has 92 boys and 80 girls studying in Classes 6 to 10. In the absence of separate accommodation and classroom facilities, the students have reportedly been using the same premises for studying, dining and sleeping.
The issue has now attracted the attention of the state government. The Primary and Secondary Education Minister has directed officials to submit a detailed report on the students’ condition and the facilities available at the school.
According to reports, the cattle shed is being used as a classroom, dining area and sleeping space. Students of Class 6 are also allegedly required to sit on the floor during lessons.
The premises reportedly have poor ventilation and limited access to natural light, raising concerns about the environment in which the students are studying and residing.
Sanitation has also emerged as a major concern. The school reportedly has only five toilets for 92 boys, while the 80 girls are said to be without basic amenities.
The Social Welfare Department, responding to the allegations, said construction of a new school building is currently in progress. Officials explained that the students were moved to the cattle shed because an alternative building capable of accommodating them could not be arranged.
The explanation has come amid growing concern over the prolonged period during which the students have been without a proper residential school facility.
Following the minister’s direction, education authorities are expected to examine the situation and submit a report detailing the students’ living and learning conditions.