Kalaburagi, 17 September

SFI activists were detained on Thursday after attempting to gherao Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during a protest demanding resolution of educational problems in government schools across Kalyana Karnataka.

The SFI organised the protest at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle.

The protesters cited government figures showing 8,706 government school classrooms across seven districts are dilapidated. Of these, 7,419 are primary and 1,287 high school classrooms.

Figures cited were 2,334 in Kalaburagi, 1,451 in Yadgir, 1,315 in Bidar, 1,075 in Vijayanagara, 1,036 in Koppal, 756 in Ballari and 739 in Raichur.

SFI Central Committee member Sujatha Y said Article 371(J) was intended to provide special opportunities, but alleged implementation issues were denying access.

District president Sarvesh P Mavinakar said infrastructure shortages, vacant posts, hostels, scholarship delays and transport issues were affecting students.

State Committee member Imamsab Nadaf said inadequate buses were affecting attendance and forcing some to discontinue education.

SFI leaders warned of a Kalyana Karnataka bandh if demands were not fulfilled.