Pvt school near Srirangapatna locked up over non-repayment of loans, students distressed

MANDYA: A private educational institution near Srirangapatna, being run by a Congress leader who is a close aide of Deputy CM D K Shivakumar has been locked up by bank authorities, allegedly over non-repayment of loans. This has affected the academics of the students.

The Cambridge PU College and Public School, run by Universal Education Trust, at Baburayanakoppal in Srirangapatna taluk has thousands of students who now face an uncertain future. Parents who had borrowed loans to pay the hefty fees are also anxious. The school is run by Haralahalli Vishwanath, who had reportedly raised a loan from the Visvesvaraya Co-operative Bank in Bengaluru.

Despite expiry of the loan term and several notices being issued, the loan had not been repayed. Last Saturday, the bank authorities descended on the school and locked the gates. However, classes are being conducted for 10th Standard students in one part of the school.

Srirangapatna Block Education Officer Vishwanath said the school had been closed due to some financial issues. “I will submit a report to the DDPI and further action will be taken as per his instructions”, he said.

A parent said, “The school has been closed since last Saturday. The district administration, education department or the school authorities should take immediate steps to restart classes. Otherwise, we will block the road next Monday and stage protest”.

“Officials may be hesitating to act as the owner is close to the Deputy CM. Parents and locals will stage a protest on Monday if no action is taken by then”, said another parent. “It is very painful that the school has been closed. Legal action should be taken against the school authorities”, said yet another parent.