Bantwal: Opposing teachers’ transfer, locals comprising parents, School Development Monitoring Committee members and alumni locked the doors of the higher primary school protesting against government’s decision vehemently on August 16 at Kalladka in Bantwal Taluk.

The protesters demanded the Block Education Officer’s presence on the occasion as they were not happy with the response from two junior level officers from the education department.

Former legislator Padmanabha Kottari arrived at the spot, had a telephone conversation with the BEO on protester’s behalf. The BEO assured him that one of the two teachers will be retained in the school and a suitable replacement will be made for the other teacher. Based on that assurance the protesters withdrew the protests and soon the students and teachers were let inside the school.

Kottari said that the school having 125 years history, has a reduced strength of 213 students. Out of 10 teachers, if two are transferred only 8 will be left. Leaving aside head mistress and the physical education teacher, the teacher strength will be reduced to 6 which will hamper the education of students in the school. Since the decision does not match with the students- teacher ratio prescribed by the government, the transfer order should be withdrawn, Kottari urged.

Continuing he said, that the protests were withdrawn based on the assurance of the BEO. If demands are not met within 2 days as committed, the school will be locked again and they will block national highway if need arises to highlight their demands, he warned.

The protesters were led by ZP member Kamalkshi, TP member Mahabala and other local leaders.