Karnataka private schools to observe 'Black Independence Day' alleging corruption

Bengaluru: About 8,000 private schools across Karnataka have decided to observe a ''Black Independence Day'' on August 15 alleging rampant corruption within the state's Education Department and associated government bodies.

The protest was spearheaded by the Karnataka Private School Managements, Teaching, and Non-Teaching Staff Coordination Committee (KPMTCC).

For the past five years, private educational institutions in Karnataka have been battling what they claim is a deep-seated issue of systemic corruption.

According to the KPMTCC, several government departments—including Fire Safety, Public Works, Revenue, the Child Rights Commission, and the Police—have been exploiting schools through excessive bureaucratic red tape. Schools allege that these departments routinely demand bribes in exchange for essential documents and approvals necessary for their operation.

The situation, they argue, has reached a breaking point. School managements report that the Education Department has been issuing inconsistent and arbitrary orders, creating an environment of uncertainty that hinders their ability to function effectively. These orders, often lacking legal grounding, have been challenged in court, with rulings frequently favouring the schools.

However, the department’s decision to appeal these quashed orders, despite judicial intervention, has only exacerbated the problem.

The frustration within the private education sector is palpable. The KPMTCC has voiced its grievances to the current Congress government on numerous occasions, but their pleas have seemingly fallen on deaf ears. Over the past 20 months, schools have made repeated appeals to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister, urging them to address the rampant corruption and bureaucratic obstacles.

Yet, the KPMTCC claims that little has been done to resolve their concerns.

The committee has particularly criticized the current Education Minister for his perceived failure to implement meaningful reforms. The introduction of new rules and software applications has been met with criticism, as they have made it almost impossible for schools established before 2017-18 to apply for or renew their recognition.

This has left many schools in a state of limbo, struggling to comply with ever-changing regulations.

In response to what they see as government inaction, the KPMTCC has called for a symbolic protest on August 15. On this day, the heads of private educational institutions, along with their teaching and non-teaching staff, will wear black armbands as a mark of their protest. By observing "Black Independence Day," these schools aim to highlight the lack of freedom they feel in operating within the state’s current education system.

The protest is intended to draw public attention to the issues plaguing Karnataka’s education sector and to pressure the government to take immediate action. The KPMTCC hopes that this bold move will force the state to address the corruption and bureaucratic challenges that are undermining the quality of education in the state.