Karnataka Bandh on March 22: Will SSLC 10th exams be postponed? Schools await clarity

Karnataka Bandh Amid SSLC Board Exam

Pro-Kannada organisations have called for a statewide bandh (shutdown) on Saturday, March 22, following an alleged assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi. The incident, where the conductor was reportedly attacked for not speaking Marathi, has reignited linguistic tensions in the region, prompting calls for action against groups accused of inciting violence.

The 12-hour bandh, scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM, has been organised by Kannada Okkoota, a coalition of Kannada advocacy groups. The protesters are demanding stringent measures against pro-Marathi organisations, particularly the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), and are calling for a ban on groups allegedly disrupting regional harmony.

The timing of the bandh has raised concerns among students and parents, especially with ongoing board examinations. However, officials have clarified that the Karnataka Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Class 10 exams, scheduled to begin on March 21, will not be affected, as no exams are planned for March 22. Despite this, schools conducting internal exams for lower classes are expected to proceed as usual.

The Associated Managements of Private Unaided Schools in Karnataka has confirmed that exams for lower classes will not be postponed or cancelled to avoid disrupting academic schedules. However, some schools may opt for online classes or reschedule internal assessments to minimize inconvenience.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed concerns in the Legislative Council, responding to queries from Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy about the bandh's potential impact on SSLC students. Shivakumar emphasized that the state government does not support the bandh and urged pro-Kannada organizations to reconsider their decision.

"The government is committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that students are not adversely affected by any disruptions," Shivakumar stated. He assured that necessary measures would be taken to safeguard the interests of students and the general public.

As the bandh approaches, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure minimal disruption to daily life. While the SSLC exams remain unaffected, schools and students are preparing for potential adjustments to their schedules. The government has urged all parties to resolve issues through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony in the state.