Gadag: A govt primary school in Pethalur village of Gadag district, with official records dating back to 1920, has undergone a major transformation following the proactive efforts of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) and the local community. One SDMC member personally contributed Rs 2 lakh, while an additional Rs 21 lakh was mobilised from various govt departments and windmill companies. Notably, no funds from the education department were used, nor were parents asked to contribute.SDMC president Laxman Channappa Kabberahalli said the facelift was made possible through collective effort. “With the cooperation of villagers, we approached departments and companies. MLA GS Patil helped us secure Rs 16 lakh to replace the old leaking roof with fibre sheets and carry out other renovation works. We even recorded the rainwater leakage on a mobile phone and sent it to education minister Madhu Bangarappa, who responded promptly,” he said.Kabberahalli added that he also spent personal funds on sports, the annual pratibha karanji, and other co-curricular activities. “The school had 130-140 students four years ago. Today, the strength has increased to 220, despite the presence of a private school and another govt school in the village. Seeing the growth, the department sanctioned six guest teachers, the highest number for any school in the district,” he claimed.SDMC member Sharanappagouda Marigoudar said villagers ensured that politics stayed out of the school premises. “Through collective efforts, we built separate toilet complexes for boys and girls with eight blocks each. Using gram panchayat funds under MGNREGA, an eight-foot-high compound wall was constructed. We are now planning to start LKG and UKG classes from the next academic year and aim to develop an advanced library and laboratory,” he said. He added that Gadag deputy commissioner CN Sreedhara has assured support in securing CSR funds from companies.School headmaster SF Gouri praised Kabberahalli’s commitment, saying he promptly responds to students’ grievances. “Granite flooring worth Rs 5 lakh is being laid, electrical refitting has been completed, and new windows and doors have been installed. The school also has a smart classroom. With 90% of the painting work done, the building now looks brand new. These improvements have significantly boosted students’ interest in learning,” he said.
