Karnataka bandh on March 22, uncertain schools during exam

As Karnataka gets ready for a state-wide bandh on March 22, announced by pro-Kannada groups, the education system is left in a state of confusion. While Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams start on March 21, there are no significant board examinations on March 22, the day of the bandh.

But a lot of schools will continue to hold internal exams and tests for lower classes — and these may be impacted.

The Associated Managements of Private Unaided Schools in Karnataka has reportedly told the Times of India that exams will go ahead as scheduled.

D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of the association, said, "We wish to be part of the protest, but we can only give moral support because we have exams going on in the state. Cancelling or putting them off will impact children, which we don't wish to occur."

Transport problems may further make it more difficult for the students to attend school safely. The Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association have assured full cooperation for the bandh, saying that no taxis will ply. 

Further, a major percentage of Bengaluru's 2,00,000 autorickshaws also might remain non-operational on the roads, keeping parents and students anxious for daily commutes. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also hasn't come out with news about buses functioning or not.

Some schools are said to be seeking alternatives, such as switching over to online sessions or postponing internal examinations. Others are exercising caution and not making final plans until the degree of response in the bandh is observed.

Times of India states that the bandh is being called against the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill and the incidents in Belagavi, where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) conductor was attacked for not speaking Marathi.

With only days remaining, students and parents are being urged to remain in constant touch with their respective school management for the latest information. Whether to stay open or close will finally depend upon the extent of transport disruption and if student safety can be maintained.