The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), Karnataka State Committee, has demanded a written order from the State Government. AIDSO seeks official confirmation that no government schools will face closure. This demand follows Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa’s verbal assurance on December 8 during the Belagavi legislative session.
Minister Bangarappa stated publicly that reports of government school closures were inaccurate. However, AIDSO highlights a direct conflict between this statement and official directives. The Department of School Education and Literacy issued a circular on October 15 , directing the merger of surrounding schools with low student enrolment into Karnataka Public School (KPS) Magnet Schools.
Confusion Over Government Stance
AIDSO asserts that the disparity between the Minister’s verbal promise and the government’s written orders has caused widespread confusion. The organization argues that merging schools with low student numbers effectively results in their closure, contradicting the Minister’s assurance. Instructions based on the October 15 circular have already reached numerous schools at the Gram Panchayat level.
Minister Bangarappa himself indicated that one KPS Magnet School is being established in each Gram Panchayat. AIDSO interprets this as clear evidence that the government is actively proceeding with the merger orders. These directives upgrade specific schools to KPS status, while consolidating other existing schools into them.
An official AIDSO notice stated, “Orders to merge surrounding schools have already been issued to several schools at the Gram Panchayat level that are being upgraded to KPS schools. As the Minister himself stated in the session, KPS Magnet Schools are being opened one per Gram Panchayat, meaning the government is proceeding according to its own departmental order.” This highlights the organization’s concern over the policy implementation.
Merger Plan Details and Opposition
The current controversy stems from earlier claims raised by AIDSO regarding the Karnataka Public School (KPS) Magnet Scheme. The October 15 circular identified 800 schools for upgradation in its initial phase. Subsequently, district-level orders detailed specific schools proposed for merger within defined geographical areas.
A separate state-level document listed 474 schools specifically identified for merger across various districts. This extensive list indicates the broad scope of the government’s plan. Many villagers in affected areas have strongly opposed the proposed mergers. They insist that existing schools should be maintained and improved rather than absorbed or shut down.
AIDSO has warned that this merger strategy could negatively affect thousands of government schools and pre-university colleges across the state. The organization continues to challenge the State Government’s repeated public statements that “no school would be closed.” It cites the extensive merger lists and official orders issued at multiple administrative levels as evidence contradicting these assurances.
AIDSO’s Demands and Next Steps
AIDSO urges the State Government to immediately withdraw the merger provision detailed in the October 15 circular. It specifically demands a clear, written directive that confirms schools with low enrolment will not be closed or merged. The organization seeks to protect the accessibility of local government education.
The student body emphasizes the need for transparency and consistent policy from the education department. Students, parents, and communities across Karnataka await official clarification and decisive action from the government regarding the future of these schools. The policy directly impacts educational access and resources for many young learners.