Outrage in Hampapattana as HM is accused of making kids clean toilet

Pic: The Govt High School in Neeralagi village of Koppal taluk lacks a functional toilet facility for more than 130 students and staffHagaribommanahalli (Vijayanagara): Two recent incidents from Kalyana Karnataka once again brought the spotlight on persistent sanitation problems in govt schools, highlighting both the lack of basic facilities and the alleged misuse of students for cleaning work.A govt school teacher in Hampapattana village of Hagaribommanahalli taluk came under fire after allegedly making two young students clean the school toilet by offering them bananas.The incident, which recently came to light, triggered anger among villagers against Jajjuri Umesh, the in-charge headmaster of the Govt Higher Primary School in Hampapattana.According to locals, Umesh allegedly asked two students to clean the school toilet after offering them bananas. The act was noticed by local youths and members of the public, who immediately objected to it.Villagers, including Bantar Kuber, SDMC president Hanumanth V, backward classes association district president Basavaraj Buddi and gram panchayat member B Nagaraj, questioned the teacher, pointing out that govt school guidelines clearly prohibit assigning any form of physical labour to students.However, the confrontation soon escalated into an argument between the teacher and the villagers. Umesh allegedly reacted angrily when questioned and warned that he could file a police complaint against them. His response further angered the villagers, prompting hundreds to gather in front of the school and stage a protest demanding action.Following the development, BEO Prabhakar visited the school on March 4 and gathered details about the incident. Villagers told the official that if teachers meant to educate children behave in such a manner, it raises serious concerns about students' future.They demanded the immediate suspension of headmaster Jajjuri Umesh and submitted a written complaint seeking disciplinary action against him for violating education department rules and using children as labourers. BEO Prabhakar assured villagers that the matter would be examined and appropriate action taken.No toilet in high schoolMeanwhile, the lack of toilet facilities at the Govt High School in Neeralagi village of Koppal taluk also came under focus.The school has 126 students, including 57 girls and 69 boys, along with 4 male teachers, 5 female teachers and 3 women working as cooking staff. Despite a total of 138 people being associated with the school, there is no functional toilet facility.Headmaster Mallappa Jumannanavar said the three toilets built when the school was constructed became unusable many years ago, forcing both teachers and students to use open spaces to attend nature's call.PDO Akbar Sab said foundation work for new toilets was initiated under the MGNREGA scheme, but the work did not progress due to technical issues. The matter was brought to the notice of higher authorities.Together, the incidents highlight the continuing sanitation challenges in govt schools in Kalyana Karnataka, ranging from misuse of students for cleaning work to the lack of basic toilet facilities.