Will schools be closed on March 22 Karnataka Bandh? What we know so far – The Times of India

With the Karnataka Bandh scheduled for March 22, parents, students, and educators are left wondering whether schools will remain open or closed for the day. The bandh, called by pro-Kannada organisations, is a protest against the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill and incidents in the Belagavi region, where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) bus conductor was attacked for not conversing in Marathi.

Impact on schools

The bandh falls in the middle of the crucial exam season. The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams begin on Friday, March 21, but no exams are scheduled for Saturday, the day of the bandh. However, some schools have exams for lower classes, and the Associated Managements of Private Unaided Schools in Karnataka has clarified that these will proceed as planned. The association expressed concern that postponing or cancelling exams could disrupt students’ schedules.
TNN reported D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of the association saying, “We want to participate in the protest, but we can only extend moral support due to the ongoing exams across the state. Cancelling or postponing them will affect children, which we don’t want to happen.”

Transportation woes and student safety

Transportation disruptions are likely as cab drivers affiliated with the Ola Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association have pledged full support for the bandh, meaning no cabs will be operational. Additionally, a significant portion of Bengaluru’s 2 lakh autorickshaws may not run, affecting students who rely on them for their daily commute.
While the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has not yet confirmed whether buses will operate, the possibility of limited transportation could make it challenging for students to reach their schools safely.

School decisions pending

Many schools are adopting a ‘wait and watch’ approach. Some institutions may opt for online classes or reschedule internal assessments to ensure minimal disruption. However, as the bandh inches closer, parents and students are advised to stay in touch with school authorities for timely updates.
For now, the uncertainty lingers, and whether schools will remain open or closed will largely depend on the scale of participation in the bandh and the availability of safe transportation for students.