BENGALURU: The alarming trend of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by teachers towards female students in Morarji Desai Residential Schools (MDRS)and hostels across Karnataka continues unabated, with government inaction drawing widespread criticism. Despite repeated cases emerging almost daily from these institutions, the authorities have failed to implement strict safety measures to protect the students.
Reports indicate that despite directives from Social Welfare Minister Dr HC Mahadevappa to take strict action, incidents of sexual harassment and indecent behaviour in these schools are still being reported regularly. The lack of effective measures has led to increasing concerns about student safety, prompting the Principal Secretary of the Social Welfare Department to issue a letter on September 17, 2024, to the Executive Director of the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS).
The letter reflects the growing discontent over government negligence. The recent High Court rebuke regarding a case where a teacher from a Kolar school was found with inappropriate photos of students on his phone has further highlighted the gravity of the issue. Following this, the Principal Secretary’s letter to the KREIS executive director has come to light, questioning why stringent safety measures have not been implemented to protect the students.
In a notable incident, a music teacher named Imtiaz from the Morarji Desai Residential School in Anandagiri, Thirthahalli, was accused of behaving inappropriately with 10th-grade students and staff members. Despite being informed, the government’s response has been inadequate, leading to questions in the letter about why safety protocols were not enforced if they were in place. It calls out the KREIS leadership for failing to act decisively, given the repeated nature of such incidents.
Further directives from Major Manivannan, the Principal Secretary, were issued on September 9, 2024, demanding that the KREIS submit proper documentation on actions taken against such teachers and the instructions given on appropriate conduct with students. However, this has done little to prevent new cases from coming to light.
The Thirthahalli incident is just one among many. Cases have been reported from several districts, underscoring a systemic issue. For instance, Muniyappa, a teacher from Kolar, was found with over 5,000 inappropriate photos of female students on his phone. He was arrested, and a POCSO case was filed against him. Despite legal actions, Muniyappa sought to quash the charges against him, but his bail plea was denied by the Karnataka High Court on September 6.
Another case from Gurumatkal, Yadgir district , involved two teachers, Shantappa and Amberish, who were booked under the POCSO Act for inappropriate behavior towards female students. Allegations against them included touching students inappropriately, using obscene language, and making lewd comments. Similar accusations were raised against the warden, Miran Ali, highlighting the unsafe environment in these institutions.
In Dudihalli, Haveri district, the suspicious death of Archana Basappa Gowdappa, a student of Morarji Desai Residential School, raised serious questions. A death note allegedly written by her mentioned harassment by a former teacher’s family, pointing to deeper issues within the school environment.
These repeated incidents have sparked protests across the state. Students from various Morarji Desai schools have staged demonstrations, refusing to attend classes and raising slogans against the administration. In Sirsi, students protested the appointment of a principal with past allegations of sexual harassment. Students in Kalaburagi’s Jevargi school, following complaints of sexual harassment, saw a physical education teacher suspended. The principal, accused of ignoring the complaints, was also removed from his post.
Incidents have also been reported from Humannabad, Bidar district, where over 20 students filed complaints against the school principal, accusing him of sexual harassment. Social Welfare Department officials have faced accusations of neglect, leading to the escalation of these issues.
Despite the government’s claims of action, the measures appear inadequate. In Hemagudda, Gangavati, seniors were found bullying junior students. The Social Welfare Department intervened, but only after widespread reports surfaced. Similarly, in Konamelkunda, School in Bidar district inspections by state child rights commission members revealed inappropriate conduct by the school principal, resulting in his dismissal. Yet, such reactive measures have not sufficed to deter repeated offenses.
The ongoing crisis in Morarji Desai Residential Schools calls for immediate, systemic reform and accountability. Parents, students, and social organisations continue to demand more stringent safety measures and legal actions against those responsible. The government’s negligence in addressing these serious issues is not only risking the safety of students but also undermining the credibility of educational institutions statewide. Without urgent reforms, these repeated cases will continue to endanger the lives of vulnerable students, further eroding trust in the system.
