Student activists protest in Karnataka against school closure plans

Student activists staged demonstrations in Kalaburagi and Ballari on Friday to oppose the Karnataka government's proposed KPS Magnet school policy.

Protests and Demands

The All India Democratic Students' Organisation led the protests at Thimmapur Circle in Kalaburagi and OPD Circle in Ballari. Demonstrators carried placards and shouted slogans against the Congress government. They claimed the policy will cause the shutdown of around 45,000 government schools across the state. Speakers accused the administration of ignoring public anger and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the plan to safeguard public education.

Allegations Against Policy

During the rallies, student leaders pointed to loan conditions linked to the Asian Development Bank. They alleged these terms require merging government schools into single cluster institutions, taking financial help from corporate firms, and shaping school lessons to fit corporate needs. Leaders also claimed future teacher hiring will be limited to KPS institutions, grants will stop after 2030, and only 4,038 schools will remain active in the state. Local committee members and student leaders addressed the gathered crowds, urging a united fight to save government schools and warning of bigger protests ahead.

Context

Public education policies in India often spark intense debate when changes intersect with international loans and administrative restructuring. Student groups frequently mobilize against reforms they believe might reduce access to free or low-cost schooling for children from lower-income families.