Lady students to quit if institute is relocated beside the city jail

Lady students to quit if institute is relocated beside the city jail

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru: Reports are rife that students of century-old Government Teacher Training Institute For Women in Balmatta have threatened to quit the course after the government decided to shift it to the centre, adjacent to the district jail in Bejai.  Between the Jail and veterinary centre.

A recent order from the government has stated that due to dwindling numbers at Balmatta centre, it will be merged with DIET, District Institute for Education and Training, Bejai. The education department cited the shift is because of no admission of boys in the DIET centre.

"We are planning to quit the course as it is located adjacent to a jail and we feel scared to be on that campus," said the students of second year Diploma in Elementary Education (Del.Ed).

One of the students said that they have visited the campus and are aware that it lacks basic facilities. "Importantly, I did not feel safe there as it has lot of people connected with jail inmates and other problems due to this are also clear," she said.    Other students explained that they come from far off places like Puttur, Bantwal, Vittala and Sullia in public transport and it is convenient as the bus stand is adjacent to the Balmatta centre. "Now, I reach home around 6.pm. If it is shifted, I will have to walk to the new campus and board two buses to reach the destination," complained a student.   Currently, there about 42 students in the two-year course and six staff members. The total sanctioned strength is 160. "My parents have sent me here because it is an all-woman campus. They have asked me to quit the course if the campus shifts," added another student.

However, the place was exclusively dedicated to women teachers training around a century ago, well-connected with public transport and situated at the heart of city. The donated 2-acre land was spruced up four years ago with basic amenities and classrooms. Due to availability of ample space, the government commenced PUC and it was followed by degree college for women. "Now, we have been asked to leave this place. It would be injustice to the person who donated land to provide education to women hailing from poor economic background," a staff pointed out.

Students and staff have appealed in a letter to the government to reconsider the order and if possible shift the DIET centre to Government Teacher Training Institute For Women.    N Usha, in-charge principal of the institute, said that shifting will hamper the education of young girls.