BMTC strike: Schools, colleges see thin attendance

The indefinite bus strike saw thin attendance at schools and colleges with most classrooms remaining empty. With no end to strike in sight, the situation is going to be the same on Friday also.
Those students who turned up had to stay back and teachers had to find ways to keep them engaged. Many schools and colleges in the city recorded less than 30% attendance.

At Vivekananda PU College near Yeshwantpur, 95% of the students were unable to attend college. “We had only 5-6 students, mainly those who stay in nearby areas,” said Nagarajappa T, a college faculty. “Unless some measures are taken, it will be difficult for students to attend college,” he added.

At Ramanagara PU college, the situation was no different. It had about 20-30% attendance. “Since there were few students we did not want to take regular classes. But we also had to keep students engaged and hence did exam-related work,” said Manjunatha S, a faculty at the college. “Out of a class of over 120 students, around 20 turned up. It was difficult for us,” he added.
At RBANMS college, one of the classes had no students, while a few others saw low attendance. Those who managed to come said that they had walked long distances.
At Little Flower Public School, few teachers turned up and the school authorities had to resort to substitution by those who turned up. “It caused lot of inconvenience. There was shortage of staff and  a lot of substitution was done,” said B Gayethri Devi. principal, Little Flower Public School.

Given the fact that the strike will continue into Friday, “I am planning to SMS the teachers, so that we can make transport arrangements for them,” the principal said.

Educational institutions said they are not declaring a holiday.  Minister for primary and secondary education Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri stated that will be left to the discretion of educational institutions to take a call on announcing holiday, depending on the availability of buses.