Karnataka Proposes Major Expansion of English-Medium Schools for Minority Communities
In response to overwhelming demand, the Directorate of Minorities in Karnataka has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly expand English-medium education opportunities for minority students across the state. The proposal includes establishing 100 new lower kindergarten schools and expanding upper kindergarten and pre-university sections in existing institutions.
Overwhelming Response to English-Medium Initiative
The expansion plans follow remarkable enrollment success in the Maulana Azad Model Schools program. Since introducing 3,000 LKG seats in September 2025, officials report that 2,800 seats have been filled, representing a 98% occupancy rate. This strong response indicates growing demand for English-medium education among minority communities throughout Karnataka.
"Each classroom maintains a strength of 30 students, with approximately 23 seats reserved for minority students," explained an official from the Directorate of Minorities. "These schools are strategically located in areas where community members reside, ensuring education remains accessible to those who need it most."
Doubling Kindergarten Capacity and Adding PUC Sections
Mansoor Basha, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Minorities, confirmed the department's intention to double the number of schools offering kindergarten classes. "We are proposing to the government to add 100 upper kindergarten classrooms within existing LKG schools," Basha stated, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the expansion plan.
Vithoba Honakande, Assistant Director of Education at the Directorate of Minorities, revealed additional proposals under consideration. "We plan to upgrade 75 Maulana Azad Model Schools to include first and second PUC sections," Honakande explained. "These upgraded institutions will be renamed Karnataka Maulana Azad Public Schools, modeled on the successful Karnataka Public Schools framework."
Addressing Educational Continuity Challenges
Saraswathi H, a teacher at MAMS Minhaz Nagar in Bengaluru's Banashankari area, emphasized the importance of early intervention. "Enrollment of young girls from minority communities has been steadily increasing," she observed. "If we bring them into the education system at a young age, there is greater likelihood they will continue their studies through completion."
The teacher highlighted the program's accessibility, noting that "there are no fees—neither for tuition nor uniforms." She added that "girls consistently emerge as toppers in the Class X board examinations," demonstrating the program's effectiveness in supporting academic excellence.
Overcoming Language Transition Barriers
Saraswathi addressed previous challenges with educational continuity. "Students transitioning from Urdu medium often struggled at the high-school level," she acknowledged. "However, we have maintained a 90% pass percentage despite these difficulties, showing that with proper support, students can successfully navigate the transition to English-medium instruction."
Practical Implementation Considerations
Honakande provided details about the practical aspects of the expansion. "The PUC sections could function in rented premises within a 2-kilometer radius of existing schools," he explained. "Meanwhile, the kindergarten expansions will need to be accommodated within existing school premises, requiring careful space management and planning."
The official noted that 25 of the 300 Maulana Azad schools already had PUC sections added during the 2023-24 academic year, providing a foundation for the proposed expansion. This existing infrastructure will help facilitate the broader implementation of the enhancement plan.
The proposed expansion represents a significant commitment to educational equity in Karnataka, addressing both early childhood education needs and higher secondary education continuity for minority communities across the state.
