A controversial proposal by the Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy to merge dozens of government-run primary schools with the popular Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) model has ignited a fierce debate in Chamarajanagar district. The plan, which involves 79 schools with consistently low student enrolment, is being criticized by activists and community members who see it as a backdoor method to shut down traditional government institutions.
Merger Plan or Covert Shutdown?
Activists and members of the public have strongly opposed the department's proposal for the current year. They allege that the state government is effectively closing down government schools under the guise of merging them with the magnet-style KPS institutions. The affected schools, numbering between 75 to 80 lower primary schools across several taluks, have been witnessing a steady decline in student numbers for years.
For a long time, parents and various organizations have advocated for the introduction of Lower Kindergarten (LKG) and Upper Kindergarten (UKG) classes, particularly in English medium, to revive enrolment. Responding partly to this demand, the state government last year permitted English-medium kindergarten sections in 27 government schools. Following this, the education department sought permission to extend similar sections to another 79 schools.
The KPS Model's Popularity and Expansion Plans
The Karnataka Public School model, which offers integrated education from kindergarten to the pre-university level, has become highly sought-after. Officials attribute its success to facilities like smart boards, well-stocked libraries, advanced laboratories, and CCTV surveillance. Currently, Chamarajanagar district has only four KPS schools, one in each taluk, and these have reportedly received an overwhelming response from the community.
Encouraged by this positive reception, the department has proposed a significant expansion. For the 2025–26 academic year, it has submitted plans to open between 11 to 17 new KPS institutions in the district. The proposed method involves establishing 11 KPS magnet schools by merging them with nearby schools struggling with low attendance.
Strong Opposition and Official Clarification
The merger proposal has not gone unchallenged. It has faced resistance from the All India Democratic Students' Organisation, several farmers' groups, and Dalit organizations. Baradanapura Nagaraj, Vice-President of the Chamarajanagar Farmers Federation, argued that merging low-enrolment schools would effectively close rural schools, disproportionately impacting poor families and farmers.
"Instead of shutting down and merging schools, the government should upgrade them by introducing English-medium sections along with Kannada, and strengthen infrastructure to attract students," Nagaraj stated.
In response to the growing criticism, Chamarajanagar Deputy Director of Public Instruction, Chandrapatil, offered a clarification. He stated that his department has not sent any formal proposal to merge low-enrolment schools nor received official communication regarding such mergers with KPS. He explained that the department's request was different: seeking permission to open English-medium LKG sections in about 80 schools and to get sanction for the additional 11 to 17 KPS institutions, responding to the high demand for such facilities.
The situation highlights the tension between administrative efficiency, the pressing demand for quality English-medium education, and the need to preserve accessible schooling in rural areas. The future of the 79 schools hangs in the balance as discussions continue.
