The Karnataka government's ambitious KPS Magnet scheme has come under severe criticism, with activists alleging it is a covert plan to shut down hundreds of government schools across the state. The All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) has brought forward documents claiming that 800 schools in Dakshina Kannada alone have been identified for closure or merger under this initiative, directly contradicting official assurances.
Official Claims vs. Ground Reality
AIDSO State Secretary Ajay Kamath addressed the media on Monday, presenting what he called the "factual truth" based on government documents. He stated that despite repeated government clarifications that not a single school would be closed, an official circular dated October 15 outlines a different plan. "In the name of the KPS Magnet scheme, the Karnataka government is moving towards shutting down government schools," Kamath asserted.
He explained that in the first phase itself, 800 government schools statewide were identified as "KPS Magnet schools." The contentious order explicitly states that schools with low student enrolment must be merged into these designated magnet schools. "This order clearly states the merger plan, making the government's clarification far from the truth," Kamath added.
A Systematic Plan Across Districts
The student organisation alleges that the preparation for this large-scale consolidation is already complete. Kamath revealed that every district in Karnataka has a ready list specifying which school should become a magnet school and which surrounding schools should be merged into it. He accused the government of using the label of school "development" to mislead the public.
"In the name of 'development', the government is deceiving the people of the state and permanently snatching away education from poor children," Kamath alleged. He emphasized that this move would disproportionately affect underprivileged communities who rely on accessible government schools for their children's education.
Betrayal of a Legacy in Mangaluru
Echoing these concerns, AIDSO Mangaluru City Convener Vinay Chandra framed the issue as a historical betrayal. He invoked the legacy of Kudmul Ranga Rao, a revered social reformer from the region who dedicated his life to educating the poor and oppressed.
"In the land of Kudmul Ranga Rao, the government's move to shut down schools is a betrayal of his historic struggle," Chandra stated. This emotional appeal highlights the deep cultural and social significance of accessible education in the coastal district, framing the policy not just as an administrative decision but as a rupture with a progressive past.
The allegations put forth by AIDSO present a serious challenge to the state government's narrative on education reform. If proven true, the merger of 800 schools could significantly alter the educational landscape, raising critical questions about equity, access, and the future of public education in Karnataka. The government is yet to issue a detailed response to these specific claims based on its October circular.
