In a shocking revelation, students of a government residential school in Karnataka's Hassan district were found living and studying in a cowshed for five years. Following a viral video, authorities have moved the students to temporary hostels.

  • Students of Dr. BR Ambedkar Residential School in Hassan lived in a cowshed for nearly 5 years.
  • The facility served 172 students from SC/ST and disadvantaged communities.
  • The government was paying a monthly rent of ₹1.08 lakh for the cowshed.
  • Authorities have shifted students to two separate hostels following public outcry.

A massive administrative failure has come to light in Karnataka, where students of the Dr. BR Ambedkar Residential School in Shantigrama, Hassan district, were forced to reside and study in a cowshed for approximately five years. The school, managed by the state's Social Welfare Department, is specifically designed to support students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized backgrounds.

The crisis erupted after videos surfaced on social media showing the appalling living conditions of the 172 students (comprising 92 boys and 80 girls). The footage revealed that the children were using the same cowshed for sleeping, eating, and classroom activities. Local residents noted that students had to clear their floor mats every morning to transform the space into a makeshift classroom. Most disturbingly, there were only five toilets available for the entire student population.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident is a systemic failure of governance. While the state allocates significant funds for the welfare of marginalized communities, the diversion of ₹1.08 lakh per month in rent to maintain a cowshed suggests deep-seated corruption and a complete lack of oversight in the Social Welfare Department.

The use of public funds to rent a cowshed for children instead of building proper infrastructure is a gross violation of human rights and educational standards.

Reacting to the outrage, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated that the situation is "unacceptable" and has ordered a formal inquiry. He confirmed that while a new building has been sanctioned, temporary arrangements have been made to move the students out of the cowshed immediately.

Hassan District In-charge Minister KM Shivalingegowda also slammed the Social Welfare Department officials, questioning why students were being treated like livestock. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka accused the Congress government of hypocrisy, demanding to know where the monthly rent of ₹1.08 lakh was actually being channeled if the students were living in such squalor.

Historical Background

Residential schools in India are a cornerstone of social justice policies, aimed at providing holistic development to children from socio-economically backward classes. However, the management of these institutions has frequently been marred by allegations of fund misappropriation and poor infrastructure maintenance, often leaving the intended beneficiaries in precarious conditions.

Did You Know?: Residential schools for marginalized communities are often subject to specific state-level funding mandates, making any misuse of these funds a serious legal offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was the immediate action taken by the government?
Answer: The students have been relocated to two different temporary hostels to ensure better living conditions.

Question 2: Is a permanent solution being planned?
Answer: Yes, the Education Minister stated that a new building has already been sanctioned for the school.