Mass Rally in Bengaluru Against Karnataka's School Closure Plan Under KPS Scheme
Preparations are intensifying across multiple villages in Belagavi district for a significant state-level mass rally opposing the Karnataka government's controversial decision to shut down nearly 40,000 government schools as part of the Karnataka Public School (KPS) Magnet Scheme. The protest is set to take place at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on April 10, drawing widespread attention to the escalating conflict over public education policies.
Village Mobilization and Grassroots Efforts
In villages such as Honnihal, Kuttalavadi, Balagamatti, Mallaholi, Halabavi, Tallur, Kajagal, and Madamgeri, community meetings have already been conducted under the joint banner of the All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) and the Save Public Education campaign. Following these gatherings, dedicated volunteers are engaging in extensive door-to-door outreach to mobilize parents and students, encouraging their participation in the upcoming rally.
Large numbers of parents and students from various villages across Karnataka are expected to converge in Bengaluru, where they plan to raise powerful slogans like 'Let our schools survive', highlighting their determination to protect local educational institutions from closure.
Growing Opposition and Criticism
Opposition to the KPS Magnet Scheme has been steadily mounting since the winter session of the legislature held in Belagavi. Over the past four months, educationists, parents, and villagers have consistently protested what they describe as a systematic attempt to dismantle the public education framework. Under AIDSO's leadership, struggle committees have been established in several villages, with residents firmly asserting that they will not permit the shutdown of their neighborhood schools.
Several renowned writers and educationists have also voiced strong criticism against the move, warning that it could permanently exclude children from economically disadvantaged families from the education system, exacerbating social inequalities.
Government Actions and Implementation Measures
Despite the widespread opposition, the government has continued to advance measures to implement the KPS Magnet Scheme. Key steps include:
- Completion of mapping for schools identified for closure or merger.
- Ongoing surveys of magnet schools to assess readiness and capacity.
- Reported issuance of verbal instructions to principals of schools earmarked for merger.
- Distribution of notices to schools ahead of parent meetings scheduled for April 8 and 9, urging them to transition students to KPS institutions starting from the next academic year.
Additionally, a meeting of Deputy Directors of Public Instruction (DDPI) and Block Education Officers (BEO) was convened on April 1 to streamline the implementation process, indicating the government's commitment to proceeding with the scheme.
Leadership and Future Plans
AIDSO state leader Mahantesh Bilur emphasized that the struggle against what he termed an anti-people decision will be intensified. He added that the public meeting at Freedom Park is expected to attract participation from senior writers, educationists, activists, lawyers, and farmer leaders, amplifying the call for preserving public education in Karnataka.
