Over 170 students eat, sleep, study in cattle shed at Karnataka school for 5 years

At Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School in Hassan, 172 students have allegedly been living, studying and eating in a cattle shed for nearly five years. The case has prompted the Primary and Secondary Education Minister to seek a detailed report as concerns grow over sanitation and basic facilities.172 students found living, studying in cattle shed at Hassan residential school, Karnataka (Screen grabs: ITG)As many as 172 students at the Dr BR Ambedkar Residential School in Karnataka's Shantigrama, Hassan taluk, have allegedly been living, eating and attending classes in a cattle shed for nearly five years, amid reports of inadequate sanitation, ventilation and basic facilities at the premises.The school, run by the Social Welfare Department, has 92 boys and 80 girls studying in Classes 6 to 10. With no separate accommodation or classroom facilities available, the students have reportedly been using the same premises for their daily activities.The situation has now drawn the attention of the state government, with the Primary and Secondary Education Minister seeking a detailed report on the condition of the students and the facilities available at the school.SAME SPACE FOR CLASSES, FOOD AND SLEEPThe students have reportedly been using the shed as a classroom, dining area and sleeping space. Class 6 students are also allegedly made to sit on the floor during lessons. The premises are said to have poor ventilation and limited natural light, raising concerns about the conditions in which the students are expected to study and live.Sanitation facilities are also reportedly inadequate. There are only five toilets for the 92 boys, while the 80 girls are said to lack basic amenities.NEW SCHOOL BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION Responding to the allegations, the Social Welfare Department has said construction of a new school building is currently underway. Officials said the students were shifted to the cattle shed because an alternative building suitable for accommodating them could not be arranged.The department's explanation comes amid growing concerns over the conditions faced by the students and the prolonged delay in providing them with a proper residential school facility.The education authorities are expected to examine the matter following the minister's direction and submit a report on the students' living and learning conditions.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 6, 2026 20:50 IST