145 years old school in Bhatkal on the verge of closure

March 21, 2016 | Special Report | Rizwan Gangavaly | Bhatkallys News Bhatkal: Government Model Higher Primary School, once called the splendor of Bhatkal in the past is telling the story of its woeful plight. The school, which has been imparting free education to hundreds of poor children for over 145 years, has lost its past glory and is on the verge of closure due to lack of students. The school, that has been in existence since 1871 is located at flourishing downtown area on Main Road. Looking at the pitiable condition of the school and with the aim to breathe new life in it, our correspondent visited the school and also spoke to the management. Speaking to our correspondent, Syed Tanveer Basha (school teacher) said that there is good arrangement of education from Class 1 to Class 7 in the school. There are three teachers who are imparting knowledge to 11 students studying in the school. Like other government-run schools, the school has many facilities and imparts good-quality education, the proof of which is 100% results in SSLC exams, he added. Expressing dismay on the pitiable condition of the school, the teacher said that if it continues like this we will soon see a lock at the institution. Recounting the facilities at the school, he said that the school provides 100% free education and also has arrangement for lunch for students. Beyond that, the students are also provided Rs 1000 scholarship by Minority Welfare Department. The need of the hour is that local residents and community leaders run to the school's rescue by sending their kids to the school. - ARF