The Registered Unaided Private Schools Association of Karnataka (RUPSA) has written to prime minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention to curb rampant corruption in the education department and state education ministry.

In a letter addressed to Modi, the association has urged that the rampant corruption has forced several schools to shut doors in the recent past.

Allegations have been levelled against Karnataka’s school education and literacy minister BC Nagesh for spearheading the corrupt department and working hand-in-glove with officials to take bribes.

According to the association, availing a renewal of registration certificate costs them lakhs of rupees as bribe and this has been in practice since 2020.

Private schools must cough up to 30-40% of their receivable amount to avail RTE reimbursements.

A change in board affiliation from state to central boards is also a challenge, RUPSA has said. “NOC to affiliate to central boards like CBSE and ICSE are also not given easily. We must spend at least Rs.15 lacs at various levels – from bottom till ministry level.”

“Due to irresponsible behavior and greediness of our education minister, the private unaided schools are facing unbearable hazards. We brought our plight to the notice of our honorable chief minister on several occasions, but in vain. But the education minister is clever enough to manipulate in connivance with department officials.

“They give scant respect to the chief minister’s instructions and through our appeals to the dustbin. Because of this, thousands of private schools, especially in educationally backward districts like Bidar have left with no option but closure,” the association has said.

Minister BC Nagesh has not yet responded to these allegations. 

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