Karnataka's education sector has been thrown into turmoil following Deputy Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's announcement of a massive school consolidation plan. The controversial proposal aims to merge thousands of government schools across the state, triggering widespread criticism from educators, parents, and opposition parties.
Massive School Consolidation Plan Unveiled
During a recent press conference, HD Kumaraswamy revealed the state government's intention to close and merge approximately 25,000 government schools across Karnataka. The Deputy CM, who also holds the education portfolio, justified this drastic measure by pointing to critically low student enrollment in these institutions.
According to Kumaraswamy's statement, the schools targeted for merger currently operate with student strength ranging between 10-50% of their sanctioned capacity. This significant under-utilization of educational infrastructure has prompted the government to consider consolidation as a solution to optimize resources and improve educational outcomes.
HD Kumaraswamy's Stark Assessment
The Deputy Chief Minister didn't mince words when describing the current state of primary education in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy went so far as to declare that the primary education system has "collapsed" in the state, suggesting that urgent and radical measures are necessary to revive it.
This assessment, made public on November 15, 2025, has sparked intense debate about the actual condition of government schools and whether merger represents the appropriate solution. The announcement has particularly raised concerns in rural areas where government schools often serve as the only accessible education option for underprivileged communities.
Growing Criticism and Public Backlash
The proposed school merger plan has faced immediate and strong opposition from various quarters. Education activists argue that closing schools, rather than improving them, will disproportionately affect children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who rely on neighborhood government schools.
Critics have also questioned the timing and methodology of the decision, suggesting that the government should focus on understanding why enrollment has dropped and addressing those root causes instead of opting for what many see as an administrative shortcut.
The controversy comes at a crucial time for Karnataka's education sector, with many wondering how the government plans to ensure that students from merged schools will have access to quality education without facing additional transportation challenges or other barriers to access.
