Bengaluru: Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) has withdrawn its earlier call for schools to remain closed in connection with the Cauvery bandh, scheduled for Aug 13, saying the closure could lead to loss of academic days, particularly in aided schools already facing teacher shortages and the extension of SIR work.While withdrawing the advisory, KAMS extended its moral and peaceful support to the cause of protecting Karnataka’s interests in the Cauvery water dispute. As a symbolic gesture, it said school managements, teaching and non-teaching staff may wear a black ribbon or black strip on the day of the bandh, without disrupting academic activities.KAMS has also advised member schools to use the occasion as an educational opportunity. Students of classes 5 to 12 may be given age-appropriate and factual information on the Cauvery dispute during assembly or a class period.The association suggested that schools discuss the history and background of the dispute, Karnataka’s dependence on Cauvery water for drinking, agriculture and livelihoods, challenges caused by inadequate rainfall and water scarcity, and the reasons behind Karnataka’s concerns.Students may also be introduced to the importance of constitutional processes, judicial decisions, cooperation between states and peaceful democratic expression, besides the need for responsible water conservation and sustainable water management, said D Shashi Kumar, secretary, KAMS. However, in the backdrop of Tuesday’s fresh direction to release Cauvery water, KAMS has left it to individual school managements to decide whether to declare a holiday, taking into account the local situation.KAMS further suggested that students could be encouraged to write a poster or letter to Supreme Court/tribunal seeking fair distribution of Cauvery water based on factors such as rainfall, drought, and water availability rather than general considerations.The association, however, stressed that such programmes must remain peaceful, balanced, educational and non-political. Students should not be compelled to participate in protests or activities that could affect their safety, emotional well-being or regular education.Kannada associations meet todayAmid several organisations and associations choosing to extend only moral support for Thursday’s bandh, the Federation of Kannada Organisations has called a meeting of all stakeholders Wednesday to chalk out plans for the protest and the proposed statewide bandh.Praveen Shetty, who heads one of the factions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), said, “There was no water in our dams when we called for the bandh. But now, we have sufficient storage to meet drinking water requirements. Yet, Cauvery Water Management Authority has asked Karnataka to release more water. Hence, we will review the situation and plan our protest accordingly.”
