Tue Jan 28 15:50:21 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Students Protest Planned Closure of 4,200 Schools
**Dharwad, Karnataka –** Members of the All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) protested in Dharwad on Tuesday against the Karnataka state government’s reported plan to shut down approximately 4,200 government schools. The government reportedly intends to merge these schools, which have low enrollment, with others under a “Hub and Spoke” model.
AIDSO leaders condemned the move, citing concerns raised by parents, teachers, and students. Sindhu Koudi, president of the Dharwad district AIDSO unit, stated that the closures would disproportionately affect underprivileged children who rely on these schools. Shashikala Meti, the district secretary, criticized the plan as unscientific and undemocratic, highlighting the existence of 6,000 single-teacher schools and over 50,000 vacant teacher positions within the state. She argued that instead of closures, the government should prioritize allocating funds to improve existing school infrastructure and hire teachers.
AIDSO plans to escalate its protests, forming struggle committees in schools and villages to involve parents and students in further demonstrations. The organization is calling on the government to reverse its decision and invest in strengthening the under-resourced schools.
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