The government has recently undertaken the transfer of D Ramachandra Naik, who held the position of Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) in Dakshina Kannada district. This transfer comes amidst a brewing controversy surrounding the expulsion of a teacher from a private school in the same district. The teacher in question was removed based on allegations of making ‘anti-Hindu’ remarks within the classroom.

According to an official communique, D Ramachandra Naik has been reassigned to a new role as a lecturer at a government teachers’ college located in Belagavi. This move coincides with the appointment of Venkatesh Subraya Patagara to the position of DDPI in Dakshina Kannada district. Patagara, who previously served as the deputy director (planning) at the office of the additional commissioner, school education department in Kalaburagi, will now be stepping into Naik’s shoes.

While the official statement mentions the transfer as part of a broader administrative reshuffling, there are discernible indications that the decision was prompted by the controversy surrounding the recent expulsion of a teacher from St Gerosa English School in the district. Some members of the teaching community and the public have expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the allegations against the teacher, particularly regarding the perceived insensitivity towards the sentiments of a particular religious group. The transfers have been implemented with immediate effect, reflecting the urgency and significance of the administrative adjustments.

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