Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Karnataka Residential School Students Endure Cramped Conditions For Five Years
A government residential school in Hassan, Karnataka, has 172 students.
The students are in Classes 6 to 10.
For nearly five years, they have reportedly eaten, slept and studied in the same small building.
Locals have described the building as looking like a cattle shed.
The building reportedly has poor airflow and not enough sunlight.
Some students sit on the floor because there is not enough classroom space.
The boys have only five toilets, and the girls also lack enough facilities.
Officials say a new school building is being built, while the education minister has asked for a report.
The Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School in Shanthigrama houses 172 students from Classes 6 to 10.
Students reportedly eat, sleep and attend classes in the same cramped building, described by locals as resembling a cattle shed.
The premises are allegedly poorly ventilated, have limited natural light and force some students to sit on the floor during lessons.
The 92 boys reportedly share five toilets, while the girls’ section also lacks adequate sanitation facilities.
Officials said a new building is under construction, but no suitable alternative has been found; the education minister has sought a detailed report.
- Who
- The 172 students, school staff, Social Welfare Department officials and the Primary and Secondary Education Minister.
- What
- Students are reportedly living, eating and studying in a cramped building with inadequate classroom, sanitation, ventilation and lighting facilities.
- When
- For nearly five years; the minister sought a report after the conditions were reported on September 6, 2026.
- Where
- Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School in Shanthigrama, Hassan district, Karnataka.
- Why
- Officials said the school is operating in rented premises while a new building is under construction, and no suitable alternative accommodation has been identified.
Public criticism
Officials’ explanation
Conditions for students
Public criticism
Members of the public questioned why students at a government-run residential institution have remained in reportedly cramped and poorly equipped premises for years.
Officials’ explanation
Officials and school staff said the students are staying in rented premises because construction of a new building is under way.
Relocation
Public criticism
Critics raised concerns about the students’ safety, welfare and access to basic facilities, including classrooms, toilets, ventilation and lighting.
Officials’ explanation
Officials said no alternative building suitable for accommodating the students could be arranged.
- Student enrollment
- 172 students: 92 boys and 80 girls.
- Classes
- Classes 6 to 10.
- Facilities used
- The same premises reportedly serve as classrooms, dining space and sleeping accommodation.
- Sanitation
- The 92 boys reportedly share five toilets; the girls’ section also reportedly lacks adequate facilities.
- Building conditions
- The premises are reportedly poorly ventilated and have limited natural light.
- Monthly rent
- The Social Welfare Department reportedly pays around Rs 1.08 lakh per month.
- Government response
- The Primary and Secondary Education Minister has sought a detailed report.
- New building
- Construction of a new school building is under way.
