Teachers’ involvement in Social, Educational survey won’t affect students’ studies, says Minister Madhu Bangarappa

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 9, 2025: Karnataka Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa assured that extending school holidays till October 18 to allow teachers to participate in the ongoing Social and Educational Survey will not disrupt students’ academic activities.

Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of backward community leaders in Mangaluru on Wednesday, the minister said that the school calendar has 240 working days, out of which 220 must be mandatorily utilized as per the RTE Act. “The Chief Minister extended the holidays for nine days to facilitate the survey, following the recommendation of the State Teachers’ Association,” he said.

When asked how schools would make up for lost working days, especially since Dakshina Kannada district already had several rain holidays, the minister said that district administrations have been instructed to ensure completion of the syllabus within the stipulated time.

Responding to a question on whether teachers would continue to be involved if the survey period is extended further, Bangarappa clarified that teachers will only participate until the current extended period ends. “We are confident that the survey will be completed within this time. If not, the remaining work may be carried out online through village panchayat secretaries or PDOs. The government will decide on this later,” he explained.

As of now, 81% of the survey has been completed across the state. In Bengaluru, progress is lower at 38%, as the survey started only on October 4. In Dakshina Kannada, 68% has been completed, and in Udupi, 62%. Although around 12,000 people reside in Mangaluru city, many are living abroad; notices have been issued for their enumeration as per the rules.

He emphasized that the survey aligns with the Congress government’s manifesto promise to gather data for providing essential facilities based on the educational, economic, and social conditions of the state’s population. “The survey will serve as a foundation for achieving equality and human values in society. Everyone’s cooperation is essential,” the minister added.