B'luru Govt Arts college principal under fire for hosting birthday celebration during college hours

A government-run arts college in the heart of Bengaluru has landed in controversy after its principal allegedly celebrated his birthday during official college hours, sparking outrage among education activists and raising serious questions about misuse of government time and resources.

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The incident took place at the Government Arts College located near Mysore Bank Circle, a well-known institution with a long-standing reputation. According to allegations, the principal, Dr. PT Srinivas Nayak, marked his birthday on June 23 inside the college premises, complete with a celebration that involved faculty and staff during working hours.

Eyewitnesses and local student groups claim that regular classes and administrative work were disrupted as the staff gathered to felicitate the principal. Critics argue that this is a clear violation of government norms, which permit events only for officially recognized occasions such as national leaders’ anniversaries or government-notified commemorations, not personal milestones.

Raising the issue, the Karnataka Kadamba Pade, a civic group, has filed a formal complaint with the Joint Director of the Department of Collegiate Education. They have demanded strict disciplinary action against the principal and the staff involved, including suspension for misusing government working hours for private celebration.

Activists point out that similar incidents in the past, such as a recent case in the PWD Department where staff were suspended for organizing an unauthorized birthday party set a precedent that government institutions must follow strict rules when it comes to using public premises and work time.