Mangalore: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has opposed the state government’s move to close 12,740 government schools here on Monday. SFI also warned that it will launch a statewide agitation next month if the government does not withdraw its decision. SFI state joint secretary Jeevan Raj Kuthar told reporters here on Monday that the commission on Structural Upgradation and Reorganisation of School Education headed by Prof R Govinda in its 42 page report had recommended the closure of schools, which has less than 30 students.

According to the statistics given by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, of the 12,740 schools, 179 schools are in Dakshina Kannada.

He pointed out that if these schools are closed, as many as 700 teachers and 300 workers attached to Akshara Dasoha Scheme will lose their jobs. “Recommendations of the commission are available on a state government’s website and according to it 15 schools in the district have less than 10 students. The report of the commission has also recommended not to recruit teachers. The report is unscientific and has not been framed in view of the welfare of the society and poor students,” he added.

“Private schools have mushroomed in the district and are charging huge amount as fee. Poor students cannot afford to go there,” he added.

It is because of the poor quality of education in government schools students are joining private schools, said Kuthar, adding that instead of donating money to mutts, the government should give money for the development of schools. He also requested the government to introduce English as a language from first standard in schools instead of starting more English medium schools.-DH News