Hubli
The only Gurukul in the country to promote classical music and train talented youths in the guru-shishya tradition is facing an acute financial crunch due to Government negligence. Its gurus and staff are waiting for salary for the past five months.
The Gangubai Hanagal Gurukul Trust, named after renowned classical singer Kirana Gharana Padmavibhushan Dr Gangubai Hanagal, was established by the state government in 2011. It was the first-of-its kind in the country. The Hindustani vocalist died in 2009.
The Gurukul had six gurus and 36 students initially. The numbers of dwindled over the years and now there are five gurus and less than 15 students. The reason for the fall in numbers is lack of adequate funds.
So far 96 students across the country have taken admission to learn Kirana gharana, Kirana-Gwalior gharana, Jaipur gharana Hindustani music and violin. The gurukul needs more than Rs 1 crore a year to pay the salary and remuneration of the gurus, musicians and support staff. But it is receiving only Rs 40 lakh from the government. According to the sources, till 2018 the Government used to release Rs 1.25 crore every year. But from 2019 to 2023, the Government has released only Rs 95 lakh in total.
Due to the paucity of funds, the gurus from different gharanas, tabla sathis and government staff deputed there including a Tahsildar-rank official as an Administrator are struggling to get their salaries.
Deputy Commissioner and the Co-Chairman of the Gurukul Trust said, last year we have submitted a detailed report to the government, but it has still not released funds. We are hoping that the problem will be resolved this year. We are finding it difficult to pay the teachers and staff due to the fund shortage.
