Karwar: Taluka Panchayat general meeting held, in the City, on Wednesday, saw heated debate on appointment of female security guards at Dr B R Ambedkar Residential School, in Shirwad, in the taluk.

Taluk Panchayat Member Maruti Naik said Ambedkar Residential School is located in the forest area where girl students are studying.

A youth has been appointed as a security guard, which does not augur well for safety of the girl students. Instead, a female guard should be appointed in his place, he said.

The Gram Panchayat had opposed the establishment of residential school in Shirwad. Hence, officials concerned should inform local organisations and collect details prior to taking up any works at school, he said, observing if any untoward incidents takes place at the school, residents will question Gram Panchayat officials. Gram Panchayat President Ganga Naik claimed that there was no proper information about the school and its location. Though the school is far from the village, a male security guard working at a girls school was a matter of concern. Hence, action would be taken in this regard, she assured.

In his reply, a school teacher said two women are working in day and night shifts. They were appointed six months back and were getting their salaries on time. During night, the teachers will not be with the girls, assuring a report would be provided in this regard to the higher officials.

Assistant Agriculture Director M M Kulkarni said, agriculture campaign vehicle will move across all hobalis in the taluk for next two days, where farmers and scientists interactions programmes would be conducted. Member Maruti Naik urged the president to issue notice against absentees for meeting. Taluk Panchayat Vice President Ravindra Pawar, Standing Committee President Purushottam Gowda and various department officials were present.