Outrage as Siddaramaiah Government Suspends Headmaster for Demanding Basic Classrooms for Students
Shameful Repression: Education Officials Punish Teacher for Fighting for Children’s Rights
Belagavi, Karnataka – In a shocking display of bureaucratic tyranny, the local education authority has suspended a dedicated headmaster for daring to demand the most basic necessity for his students—classrooms to protect them from the scorching heat and rain.
Veeranna Madivalar, the headmaster of Government Lower Primary School in Ambedkar Nagar, Nidagundi, was punished for organizing a silent protest march and hunger strike after years of pleading for infrastructure fell on deaf ears. His crime? Refusing to let 146 children suffer under the blazing sun while officials sat comfortably in air-conditioned offices.
A Teacher’s Fight, a Government’s Failure
For three years, Veeranna fought for the construction of classrooms approved under the previous administration. Yet, despite assurances, no progress was made. Left with no choice, he walked barefoot for 15 km to the Block Education Officer’s (BEO) office, only to be met with suspension instead of solutions.
“I did not protest against the government—I protested for my students,” Veeranna pleaded. “No child should have to study under the burning sun or pouring rain.” A district-award-winning teacher, he has spent his own prize money on student welfare. Yet, the government’s response? Crushing dissent rather than fixing the problem.
BEO & State Government Show True Colors
Instead of applauding his dedication, the Raibag BEO, Basavarajappa R., issued a suspension order, accusing Veeranna of “embarrassing the department” and violating conduct rules. The notice absurdly claims he should have submitted a “respectful written request” rather than protest—ignoring the fact that years of such requests led nowhere.
Worse, the BEO’s statement that “two classrooms have already been approved” only exposes the administration’s hypocrisy. If approvals were truly in place, why did construction never begin? Why punish a teacher for exposing their negligence?
Public Backlash: Who Really Deserves Suspension?
The suspension has sparked fury among parents, activists, and fellow educators. If a headmaster is punished for demanding classrooms, what does this say about the priorities of the Siddaramaiah government? Shouldn’t the BEO and local authorities be held accountable for failing these children?
This incident is not just about one school—it reflects the systemic rot in Karnataka’s education system, where officials evade responsibility while punishing those who speak up. The government must immediately revoke this unjust suspension, apologize to Veeranna, and ensure classrooms are built without further delay.
If it doesn’t, the people must ask: Who is the real embarrassment here—the teacher fighting for his students, or the government failing them?
