EKALAVYA LOST HIS FINGER! HOSTEL LOST ITS PURPORT

Madikeri Dec. 16 In primordial story Ekalaya lost his finger to give offering to his grand teacher “Dronacharya”.But, he had surrendered all his bow and arrow talents for the sake of others. At Balugodu village in South Kodagu “Ekalavya:model residential school has lost its purport for the sake of selfish gains of mediator agencies. Mainly tribal students learn and dwell here. The project is maintained by the district tribal welfare department. The department has recently handed over the school and hostel supervision to Global agencies, Kushalnagar on contract lease basis.. Last two years it was run by Nehru Youth centre. There was no problem or complaint during their regime. After, the global agencies took over; they show interest to collect their commissions in huge quantity. The agency is not properly distributing the salaries and wages to the teachers and staff. During payment, they cut the commission amount in inappropriate way. Even monthly distribution is not regular. Since September, about Rs. 2 lakh salary is pending for payment. District tribal welfare project coordinator D.Raje gowda has now assured that the balance salary and wages would be cleared soon.Otherwise, the crew is organizing protest against the mismanagement. The govt is releasing Rs. 500 per student per month for providing the food. The experts say, the amount should be enhanced to Rs. 750 for better service. Jagadish, the social welfare officer is the incharge principal. The school requires the regular principal for proper supervision.

The school has 120 girls and 130 boys who study from 6th standard to SSLC.75% of the student are tribes and the remaining belong to schedule caste and backward catgegory.17 teachers and 12 staffs are working here. Except the hostel cook all other crews were appointed on contract basis. Infact, the teachers here draw less amount of salary compared to other Govt. schools. The school is situated near Virajpet, the thaluk headquartes. The school has 10 acres of vacant land. But, no body moved to form a sports ground .The available sports materials are lying idle due to lack of play ground. The generator is out of order since two years. Students have to depend on candles during the electricity failure. The solar connection for hot water is under repair and the students take cold bath, during this chilly winter also. The school telephone is dead. No body interested to repair it. The building roofs are in dilapidated condition. During rainy season it welcomes rain inside. For breakfast Students have to be satisfied with Khara bath only. If they demand for kesari bath, the grant amount does not allow for extra expenditures. The school was commenced during 1999. But, the entrance road to the school is in worst condition. one has to drive on Harsh stones inhaling dust particles. The tribal welfare development officer should immediately rejuvenate the residential school in the interest of poor tribal and backward students.

PHOTO: A VIEW OF EKALAVYA SCHOOL