Bangalore schools uncertain on two-day closure

With the Karnataka government announcing holidays on Thursday and Friday, in view of the anticipated Ayodhya verdict by the Allahabad high court, most Bangaloreans are once again in a state of confusion.

In a repeat of last week’s situation, when holidays were declared on September 24 and 25, parents and students were  unsure whether the schools would remain closed on those days.
Most schools were not sure whether they would indeed remain closed. Several schools are having their mid-term examinations till October 6.

Manjula Raman, principal, Army Public School, Bangalore, affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), said that a decision on the holiday was yet to be taken.

“I have to apprise the higher officials of the school management of the state government’s decision. Hopefully, by tomorrow we will have a clearer picture,” said Raman.

“We are in a fix now. We cannot say anything about school closure now. We will decide tomorrow,” said an official of a school affiliated to the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE).

Working couples too are a confused lot following the announcement. “Both I and my husband have to go to work. There will be nobody to look after our seven-year-old son at home, if the school is closed on Thursday and Friday,” said Namrata Pandey, an IT professional.

However, many Bangaloreans are bracing themselves up for the four-day-long break, including the public holiday for Gandhi Jayanti on Saturday and Sunday. But the break looks certain to be subdued as many people did not want to venture outside Bangalore, fearing a violent backlash after the verdict.

Nilakanth Sahay, a businessman, said he would prefer to sit at home, instead of venturing out to a nearby hill station.
“I hope peace prevails. It is a long holiday. But this time it is different,” said Sahay.