The Government Pre-University Girls College principal K Krishnappa, faced disciplinary action for allowing students to take part in the ‘Veera Savarkar Samsarane’ (Veer Savarkar memorial program), in Haveri district, Karnataka.
Ritesh Kumar Singh, the Principal Secretary of the school education and literacy department, accompanied by Haveri District Panchayat’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akshaya Sridhar, noted a drop in attendance during their visit on December 12. On inquiring further, it was revealed that approximately 95 students were absent as they were involved in a group rehearsal for a private event “Veera Savarkar Samsarane,” scheduled for December 17.
The Principal Secretary, expressing strong disapproval, instructed the CEO to provide a report on the issue to the education department. The report read, “Principal K Krishnappa exhibited negligence by allowing female students to participate in private events outside the educational programs organised by the department.” The Karnataka school education and literacy department has taken disciplinary measures against the principal.
Nevertheless, Principal Krishnappa claimed that “he was unaware” about the students attending the rehearsal and stated that the students took part in the activity after regular class hours, which concluded after noon.
This has only added more fuel to the already set allegations on Krishnappa. He was earlier accused of securing his position as principal in 2021 by providing false information. In response, the School Education and Literacy Department revoked his promotion on September 29, 2023. The deputy director of the pre-graduate education department directed him to report to the school education department in Bangalore and hand over charge of Ijarilakamapura College to a senior lecturer on November 20, 2023, which was not abided with. Until he was relieved from his post on December 17.
Haveri District Youth Congress President Prasanna Hiremath reacting to the news said, “The principal violated norms by sending students to non-academic programs; the department officials have already initiated a probe and sent a report.”
The honorary President of Rashtra Bhakta Balaga, K. E. Kanthesh of the organisation that held the Savarkar program, said, “The demotion of the principal is not related to the student’s participation in the Savarkar programme”.
“Veer Savarkar is a freedom fighter, and we invited more than 600 schoolchildren who participated without hampering their classes,” he added.
The event was attended by BJP leader KS Eshwarappa and his son Kanthesh.
