The Karnataka government's decision to suspend Veeranna Madiwalar, headmaster of a government primary school in Ambedkar Nagar, Nidagundi, Belagavi district, has sparked widespread criticism. The suspension came in response to Madiwalar's silent protest demanding the construction of four additional classrooms at his school.
The Zilla Panchayat issued the suspension order pending further inquiry, citing Madiwalar's protest as behaviour "not befitting a government servant." On May 27, Madiwalar walked from his school to the Block Education Office, holding an image of Dr BR Ambedkar and a placard advocating for more classrooms. He proceeded to sit in front of the office, announcing a fast until his demand was met.
Officials from the Block Education Office and the tahsildar of Raibag attempted to negotiate with Madiwalar, informing him that the government had sanctioned two rooms with construction set to begin soon. Madiwalar continued his protest until a concrete commitment for all four rooms was secured.
According to reports, the officials claimed that he argued with them in ‘an insensitive and uncivilised manner’.
According to the headmaster, the suspension was hastily issued within 24 hours of receiving a show-cause notice, denying him the opportunity to respond adequately.
BJP Karnataka president BY Vijayendra termed the suspension "cruel" and demanded Madiwalar's immediate reinstatement. He said that the headmaster was forced to stage a silent protest after repeated requests for improved infrastructure at his school went unheard.
The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka has also intervened, writing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa. The association urged the government to focus on the pressing infrastructure concerns raised by Madiwalar, rather than penalising him for drawing attention to the issue.
SG Siddaramaiah, former chairman of the Karnataka Book Authority, criticised the government's allocation of funds, suggesting that resources used for events like the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana could be redirected to school infrastructure. Meanwhile, Shashidhar Kosambe of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights urged the government to revoke the suspension immediately, threatening legal action if delays persist.
Responding to the allegations, Madiwalar stressed his dedication as a disciplined government servant and reiterated the urgent need for infrastructure improvements at his school, which currently accommodates 150 students in just two classrooms. He said that the lack of permanent teaching staff was another critical issue needing resolution.