Parents, Activists Call for Urgent Intervention to Ensure Safe and Quality Education
Bengaluru: Amid growing concerns over deteriorating infrastructure and lack of basic amenities, the AIDSO Bengaluru District Committee staged a protest today in front of the Government Lower Primary School (GLPS), Swatantranagar, located in Bengaluru North. The demonstrators demanded immediate action from the education department to restore minimum facilities and ensure a safe learning environment for the children.
The school, which caters to the children of economically underprivileged families, many of whom work as daily-wage labourers, has reportedly fallen into a state of neglect, prompting local residents and activists to raise their voices.
A School in Crisis
Addressing the protest gathering, AIDSO Bengaluru District President Apoorva highlighted the dire state of the school:
“The school building is dilapidated, and water stagnates on the roof, making classrooms unusable during rains. There is no access to clean drinking water, and the toilets are in an extremely unhygienic state. This has created an unsafe environment for students.”
She further noted that the school has only two teachers to handle eight different classes, and due to additional duties like census and survey work, quality education is being severely compromised.
Additionally, the presence of four private schools within a 3-kilometre radius has led to a decline in enrolment at GLPS Swatantranagar, as many parents are left with no option but to shift their children in search of better facilities.
Community Joins in Protest
The demonstration was presided over by Nawaz, District Secretariat Member of AIDSO. Several local parents and residents, frustrated by the state of public schooling, participated in the protest. Many said they are forced to send their children to private schools despite financial strain, due to the poor conditions in government institutions.
Delegation Meets BEO with List of Demands
Following the protest, an AIDSO-led delegation along with concerned parents submitted a memorandum to the Block Education Officer (BEO), Bengaluru North 2, demanding immediate action. The memorandum outlines key requirements to restore the school’s functionality and safeguard children’s rights to education.
Key Demands:
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Clean drinking water facilities for students and staff
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Renovation and maintenance of the school building and premises
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Safe and hygienic toilets, including construction of additional units as per student strength
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Appointment of adequate teaching staff
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Greenboards and smartboards for all classrooms
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Digital learning infrastructure, including computers
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Activity-based learning tools for "Nali Kali" classes
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General safety, cleanliness, and child-friendly infrastructure
Call for Government Action
AIDSO emphasised that education is a fundamental right, and neglecting basic facilities in government schools violates that right. The organisation has warned of continued protests and legal intervention if authorities fail to act swiftly.
“The future of our children is non-negotiable. The government must act now,” said Apoorva.
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