Poster Released in Belagavi for Major Karnataka Education Protest
A significant step was taken in Belagavi on Sunday as a poster was officially released at Ambedkar Garden, marking the build-up to a large-scale state-level protest. This event is scheduled to take place at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on April 10, 2024, and is aimed at opposing the closure of government schools under the controversial KPS magnet scheme.
Background of the Protest Movement
For the past four months, the All India Democratic Social Organisation (AIDSO) and the Sarvajanik Shikshana Ulisi Janandolana Samiti (SSUJS) have been actively protesting in various villages across Karnataka. Their efforts have culminated in a coordinated plan following a committee meeting, which includes extensive preparations across the district to mobilize support for the upcoming convention.
Ramu Hanagandi, the chairman of the committee, emphasized the prolonged struggle, stating, "For the last four months, there has been a relentless struggle in villages and hamlets against the closure of our schools in the name of the KPS magnet scheme. Despite strong public opposition, including a district convention organized in January, the state government has continued with this scheme. We condemn this stubborn attitude and are organizing the state-level public convention on April 10 to reverse this government scheme and convey the people's cry to save government schools in the villages."
Government Scheme Under Fire
Mahantesh Bilur, the district coordinator of AIDSO and secretary of SSUJS, criticized the KPS magnet scheme, alleging that it is implemented under the guise of providing quality education to poor children. He pointed out a stark contradiction, saying, "The government is closing more than 40,000 government Kannada schools while boasting that they are pro-Kannada. This move is unjust to the progress of the Kannada language and has drawn condemnation from many dignitaries, including writers and educationists across the country."
Widespread Support and Participation
The protest has garnered support from a diverse group of individuals, highlighting the broad-based opposition to the government's policy. Key participants expected at the convention include:
- Senior writers such as Hampa Nagarajaiah and K Marulasiddappa
- Prof SG Siddaramaiah, SSUJS state president
- Writers like Allama Prabhu Bettadur and retired vice-chancellor Prof A Murigappa
- Activists including Raghavendra Kushtagi and senior lawyers like Hemalata Mahishi
- Educationists such as Niranjan Aradhya VP
- Leaders from the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, including Guruprasad Keregodu and Mavalli Shankar
- Social activists like Ugra Narasimhe Gowda, Ashok Chandragi, and Ajay Kamath
Additionally, other notable figures such as VN Rajashekar, Shashidhar M, Somashekar K, Shobha S, Siddalinga Bagevadi, Ashwini KS, along with writers, activists, and educationists, are set to join. Local presence at the poster release included Bharamu Kurli, Reshma, Gauri Unkal, Rekha Hanchinamani, Siddappa, Halappa, and Kamalesh.
Mobilization and Future Actions
The organizers have planned for massive participation from people across the district, including farmers and workers from various villages. This mobilization aims to amplify the voice of the rural population and pressure the government to reconsider the KPS magnet scheme. The convention on April 10 is poised to be a pivotal event in the ongoing fight to preserve government schools in Karnataka, reflecting deep-seated concerns about educational access and linguistic heritage in the state.
