115-year-old govt school in Hubballi set for a Rs 2.5-crore transformation

Hubballi: The century-old Govt Model Primary School No. 19 at Indipump in Hubballi is set for a major facelift after years of neglect, with demolition of the existing building already under way.Established in 1909, the school recently marked its 115th anniversary. Construction of a G+2 building with 12 classrooms will begin soon under an allocation of Rs 2.5 crore from MLA funds, with the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) executing the project.The school was founded with the blessings of Sri Siddharudha Swamiji and is located near Siddharudha Mutt and opposite Sayyed Fateh Shah Wali Dargah.

It caters to children from Krishnapur Oni, Nava Ayodhya Nagar, Heggeri and other parts of Old Hubballi. The institution began with just 13 students.What started as a single-room school expanded into a six-room building in 1930 during the Bombay Presidency era. Over the next five to six decades, it educated between 700 and 900 students annually, with 24 to 26 teachers conducting classes in two shifts.Headmaster Kundaragi told TOI that the Sirigere family donated land for the school in 1930.

Initially offering classes from Standards 1 to 5, it later expanded to Standards 7. Records show that nearly 850 students were enrolled in a single academic year, and lakhs have graduated from the institution over the decades.The school now has 225 students, including those in LKG and UKG. “The building gradually became dilapidated. Since I took charge in 2023, alumni repeatedly approached the MLA and officials seeking a new structure.

MLA Prasad Abbayya eventually sanctioned funds,” Kundaragi said.Hubballi city BEO HM Fhadneshi said demolition would be completed within 10 days, after which construction of the new building would begin. The project is expected to be completed within a year. Students have temporarily been shifted to Govt School No. 9 in Vidyut Nagar.Alumnus Ravi Yavagal said the school primarily serves children from poor and slum localities. “The new building is long overdue. The demand was first raised during the centenary celebrations. We are proud to have studied here,” he said.Among its distinguished alumni are AIIMS professor Shivanand Gamanagatti, IFS officer Rajendra Garawad and Indian Army Subedar Shivaji Gaonkar.