Mysuru/Chamarajanagar: The department of school education and literacy’s proposal to merge 79 low-enrolment govt-run primary schools with Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) in Chamarajanagar district this year has triggered criticism from activists and members of the public.Activists allege that the state govt is effectively shutting down govt schools under the pretext of merging them with KPS magnet schools. According to them, around 75 to 80 lower primary schools across several taluks have been recording declining enrolment year after year.For several years, parents and organisations have demanded the introduction of LKG and UKG classes to improve enrolment, particularly to attract families seeking English-medium education. Last year, the state govt allowed English-medium kindergarten sections in 27 govt schools. Subsequently, the department of school education and literacy submitted a proposal seeking permission to extend similar sections to another 79 schools.On this basis, the state govt initiated measures to open 11 KPS magnet schools in Chamarajanagar by merging them with low-attendance schools in their vicinity.At present, only four KPS schools, one in each taluk, have been upgraded in Chamarajanagar district. These schools have reportedly received an overwhelming response. Encouraged by this, the department proposed opening 11 to 17 additional KPS schools for the 2025–26 academic year and submitted a proposal to start 17 new KPS institutions.The KPS model, which offers integrated education from kindergarten to pre-university level, has gained popularity among parents, students, and elected representatives. Facilities such as smart boards, well-equipped libraries, laboratories, and CCTV surveillance have made these schools attractive, officials said.Based on this response, the state govt initiated steps to open 11 KPS magnet schools in Chamarajanagar by merging them with nearby low-enrolment schools. However, the proposal has faced opposition from the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation, farmers’ groups, and several Dalit organisations.Chamarajanagar Farmers Federation vice-president Baradanapura Nagaraj said merging low-enrolment schools would lead to the closure of rural schools, adversely affecting poor families and farmers. “Instead of shutting down and merging schools, the govt should upgrade them by introducing English-medium sections along with Kannada, and strengthen infrastructure to attract students,” he said.Responding to the criticism, Chamarajanagar deputy director of public instruction Chandrapatil said his department had neither sent a proposal to merge low-enrolment schools nor received any official communication on such mergers with KPS magnet schools. “Given the high demand for English-medium education, kindergarten sections, and KPS, the department has sought permission to open LKG English-medium sections in about 80 schools and to sanction an additional 11 to 17 KPS institutions in Chamarajanagar district,” he clarified.
