School faces protest over penalising Kannada speaking students

Sindhi High School in Kumarapark, one of Bengaluru’s most reputed institutions, has come under criticism following allegations that it imposed penalties on students for speaking in Kannada. The issue surfaced during a recent visit by the Deputy Director of Public Instructions (DDPI), when students reportedly disclosed the practice.The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has urged the state government to revoke the no-objection certificate (NOC) issued to the school, which is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). KDA chairperson Purushothama Bilimale said he was shocked by the findings of the DDPI’s report, which stated that both students and the principal acknowledged the imposition of penalties. “One of the top schools in the city is curtailing the rights of students by penalising them for speaking in Kannada,” Bilimale remarked.Following the report, Bilimale has written to Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh demanding immediate action against the institution. “Students have even given written statements confirming that they were penalised for using Kannada in school,” he added.
In a statement, the school management rejected the allegations, calling them “completely false.” A school authority clarified: “No student has ever been punished for speaking Kannada in our institution. The disciplinary action referred to was solely in response to the use of vulgar and inappropriate language, irrespective of the language used.”
The school further stated that it values and encourages Kannada, and has always held the language in high regard. “We remain committed to fostering cultural pride, mutual respect, and discipline among our students,” the statement added.

(State Correspondent)