Karnataka government’s move to merge government schools with Magnet Schools opposed

Fri Nov 21 13:11:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text, presented in a journalistic style:

Government School Mergers Spark Student Protests in Mysuru

MYSURU, India – November 21, 2025 – Students in Mysuru took to the streets today, November 21st, to protest the Karnataka state government’s proposed plan to merge numerous government schools into larger “Karnataka Public Schools” (KPS), also known as Magnet Schools. The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) led the demonstration in front of the Old Deputy Commissioner’s office, claiming the move is a thinly veiled attempt to privatize education and disadvantage students from poorer backgrounds.

AIDSO State Treasurer Subhash Bettadakoppa argued that the government’s justification of “quality education” and “model schools” is a smokescreen for dismantling the public education system. He highlighted that the plan would drastically reduce the number of accessible schools, as Magnet Schools would only be established at the gram panchayat level – roughly one school for every eight currently existing, based on current numbers. Specific schools in the Mysuru district, including Kanakagiri High School and Maharaja High School, have already been designated for conversion.

District Secretary Nithin criticized the government’s promise of transportation for students whose schools are merged, pointing out existing inadequacies in bus services that already force many rural students to walk long distances. He warned that relocating schools even further away would effectively push underprivileged students out of the education system altogether.

AIDSO’s statement further accused the government of borrowing heavily from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the project, raising concerns that the true motive behind the consolidation is to benefit private education corporations. The organization is calling on students, teachers, parents, and the public to unite in a statewide movement to prevent the closure of government schools and protect the right to accessible education.

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