Schools across Karnataka are likely to remain open on Thursday, August 13, with the Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) withdrawing its earlier call for school closures. The KAMS had initially called for a closure of schools, as part of a bandh, over the ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The KAMS said the decision was taken because another closure would further affect academic schedules, particularly in aided schools already facing a shortage of teachers.
KAMS said it would nevertheless extend moral and peaceful support to the bandh called by Kannada organisations to protest Karnataka's release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. School managements, teaching staff and non-teaching employees have been asked to wear black ribbons or black strips as a symbolic gesture, without disrupting classes.
The association said academic activities had already been affected because teachers have been deputed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Government-aided schools, which are dealing with an acute shortage of teachers, would be particularly affected if schools were shut again, it said.
However, KAMS has left the final decision on declaring a holiday to individual school managements, particularly in view of the Karnataka government's fresh direction to release Cauvery water. Schools have been advised to consider the local situation and take a decision based on safety and practical considerations.
KAMS has also suggested that schools use the day to help students understand the Cauvery dispute rather than involve them in the bandh. Students from Classes 5 to 12 could be given factual and age-appropriate information about the dispute during the morning assembly or a classroom session, the association said.
The discussions could cover the history and background of the Cauvery dispute, Karnataka's dependence on the river for drinking water, agriculture and livelihoods, and the difficulties caused by inadequate rainfall and water scarcity. Students could also be taught about constitutional processes, court decisions, cooperation between states and peaceful democratic expression, as well as responsible water conservation and sustainable management of water resources.
KAMS secretary D Shashi Kumar said students could also be encouraged to express their views through posters or letters to the Supreme Court or tribunal seeking a fair distribution of Cauvery water based on factors such as rainfall, drought and water availability.
The association, however, stressed that any such activities should remain peaceful, balanced, educational and non-political. Students should not be compelled to participate in protests or any activity that could compromise their safety, emotional well-being or regular education.
“Keeping schools open while educating young citizens about Karnataka’s water challenges is a more meaningful and responsible form of solidarity,” KAMS said.
The association also appealed to the state government and organisations participating in the bandh to ensure the safety of school buses, students and teachers on August 13.
The decision comes as Kannada organisations prepare to hold discussions on the bandh following the latest developments in the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. The Federation of Kannada Organisations has called a meeting of stakeholders on Wednesday, August 12, to discuss arrangements for the proposed statewide protest.
The bandh has been called in response to the Cauvery Water Management Authority's direction to Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. Kannada organisations have argued that Karnataka must prioritise its own drinking water and agricultural needs, particularly amid concerns over water availability.