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. 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. 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.