Massive Protest Erupts in Kodagu Against Government School Closures
A significant protest meeting was held at the Mahila Samaj Bhavan in Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, organized by the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) and the Public Education Save Committee. The gathering vehemently opposed the closure of more than 230 government schools in the region under the Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) Magnet Scheme.
Widespread Participation and Strong Allegations
Parents, students, and villagers from various communities actively participated in the meeting, expressing deep concern over the educational future of local children. Speaking at the event, AIDSO State Vice-President Abhaya Divakar launched a scathing critique against the Congress government. He alleged that the administration plans to shut down 40,000 schools statewide through the KPS Magnet Scheme, with the ultimate aim of depriving poor students of accessible education.
Divakar highlighted that the government is financing the establishment of KPS magnet schools by securing a substantial loan of Rs 2,500 crore from the Asian Development Bank. He questioned the government's financial management, asking whether its condition is so dire that it must rely on loans from private banks to sustain public education infrastructure.
Specific Concerns in Kodagu District
AIDSO State Treasurer Subhash Bettada Koppa provided detailed insights into the local impact. He revealed that in Kodagu district, five schools have been selected as magnet schools: Kushalnagar Government School, Kudige School, Shirangala School, Gonikoppa School in Virajpet taluk, and Kutta School. Under the pretext of merging institutions, approximately 135 schools are slated for closure as part of this scheme.
Koppa warned that implementing the magnet scheme would disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including tribal children and those from poor farming families, potentially depriving them of educational opportunities. He strongly demanded the immediate abandonment of the scheme to protect public education.
Community Leaders Voice Opposition
Nagesh KS, President of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat's Kushalnagar unit, emphasized the importance of keeping schools open in villages to maintain educational access. He argued that village schools are crucial for community development and should not be sacrificed for centralized models.
To coordinate a robust resistance effort, a district-level committee was formed during the meeting. The committee's leadership includes Suresh from Vijayanagar as President, Swathi as Secretary, and Akshay as Vice-President. Additional members elected include Harish from Chikkattur, Sagar from Thorenur, Chimmi from Byadagotta, Shanti from the AITUC labour union, and Poornima from a Yuvajana organization. Over 100 people from various villages were elected as committee members, showcasing broad-based support for the cause.
Call to Action and Future Plans
The protest meeting concluded with a unified call to action, urging the government to reconsider its policies and prioritize public education. Participants pledged to continue their struggle through organized campaigns and advocacy, aiming to safeguard educational rights for all students in Kodagu and beyond.
