Bengaluru school battles against the Army for its survival

Tuesday evening turned out to be chaotic for a 150-year-old government school in Bengaluru when Defence officials landed at the school's gate demanding its demolition.

Parents of the students studying in the JC Nagar school were anxious when their children didn't return home. On enquiring with the school, they were informed that the school will be demolished as the Army officials claimed ownership of the land.

Students along with parents and teachers gathered to protest against the army officials.

As soon as the Army men arrived at the gate, the school board members informed the block education officer (BEO).

According to the army officials, the land belongs to the Defence and a case has been pending in the court for 13 years. 

School principal Ishant Sultana said, "The school management wanted to file an appeal on Wednesday. It is unfair that school is being forced to vacate, even before the final verdict."

On being tipped off, minister for Primary and Secondary School Education Tanveer Sait arrived at the scene at 7pm to discuss the matter at hand with the local legislator and the army officials.

The minister said “Neither the government nor the Defence department has ownership over the land on which the school stands. It would be unfair to disrupt classes for the on-going academic year. It is better to have an open discussion and resolve this matter amicably."

The minister also expressed disappointment over the education department's ignorance on the issue. 

Sait suspended Bengaluru north taluk Deputy Director of Public Instruction Manjunath and BEO Ramesh on the grounds of dereliction of official duty and negligence. Also, a warning was sent to the education department. 

Sait added, "The issue can be discussed with Union Defence Minister who would be visiting Bengaluru soon.”

The government school was established in 1897 during the rule of Maharaja of Mysore. The school represents a rich heritage and was originally meant for children of Army officials but later accepted general category students. Spread over three acres, the school provides primary, secondary and pre-university level programmes in both Tamil and Urdu mediums.