Karnataka Bandh on March 22: Education min assures examinations won't be affected

Pro-Kannada organizations have called for a Karnataka bandh on March 22 to protest against the ongoing Marathi riots in Belgaum. However, the timing of the bandh has led to widespread concern among parents, as it coincides with crucial school examinations.

Also Read: Pro-Kannada groups to protest ‘ill-treatment’ to Kannadigas; to hold bandh on March 22

The SSLC exams are set to begin on March 21, while evaluation exams for classes 5 to 8 are scheduled for March 22. Parent organizations and education leaders have opposed the bandh date, arguing that it could disrupt students' academic performance. Lokesh Talikatte, president of the Private Schools Federation, stated that while they support the bandh, it should be scheduled after the exams to avoid unnecessary stress on students.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has assured parents that the bandh will not impact exams. He stated that activists will cooperate to ensure there are no disruptions, and parents need not panic. However, uncertainty remains as different pro-Kannada leaders have expressed conflicting opinions.

While pro-Kannada leader Vatal Nagaraj insisted that the bandh date would not be changed, Karave President Praveen Shetty clarified that no final decision had been taken yet. As discussions continue, parents remain anxious about whether exams will proceed smoothly or face disruptions due to the bandh.