The suspension of Veeranna Madiwalar, headmaster of the Government Lower Primary School in Nidgundi, Raibag taluk, Belagavi, has drawn strong criticism from various quarters. Madiwalar was suspended by the Department of School Education and Literacy after staging a silent protest demanding additional classrooms and better infrastructure for his school.
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra condemned the suspension, calling it “cruel” and demanded Madiwalar’s immediate reinstatement. He noted that the headmaster had no option but to protest after repeated pleas for improved infrastructure went unheard. The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, urging them to address the issues raised by Madiwalar. The association stated that the government must support those who speak up for students’ welfare.
Chandrashekar Nugli, General Secretary of the Karnataka State Primary Teachers’ Association, said he had spoken to local education officials and emphasized that Madiwalar’s demands were legal and aimed at ensuring children’s rights. Nugli said the association would advocate for revoking the suspension.
The suspension has triggered protests by parents, teachers, activists, and community members, who labeled the action a “grave injustice” against a dedicated educator. Known for transforming the school into a model institution despite limited resources, Madiwalar has previously faced departmental action—in 2022, a poem he wrote opposing school mergers had also drawn a notice.
On May 27, the Block Education Officer (BEO) issued Madiwalar a show-cause notice, stating that his protest embarrassed the department. The notice said he should have routed his demands through official channels and alleged that the language used during the protest was inappropriate. Though officials had assured him that two classrooms were sanctioned, Madiwalar went ahead with the demonstration. With no response to the notice within the stipulated time, the BEO proceeded to suspend him for violating departmental guidelines and embarrassing the government.
