Protest in Harihar against closure of schools run by government of Karnataka

People from different walks of life including parents, students and youth leaders held a protest in Harihar of Davangere district of Karnataka on January 6 protesting against closure of government schools under the KPS Magnet School Scheme.

In the protest held at Harapanahalli Circle under aegis of “Save Public Education Committee”, parents and citizens from Harlapur, Old Harlapur, Ashraya Colony, Neelakantha Nagar, Jai Bheem Nagar, Hosa Pete Street, and other localities of Harihar strongly condemned the move.

Addressing the protestors, State Secretary of All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) Ajay Kamath criticised the order issued by government of Karnataka on October 15 and December 30, 2025, which proposed converting government schools in 5,900 gram panchayats into KPS Magnet schools. He said that the scheme was designed to shut down all other government schools within a five-kilometre radius of these magnet schools.

AIDSO State Vice-President Apoorva C.M. said that both the Congress and the BJP were jointly responsible for the sorry state of government schools in the State. She remarked that people from all communities had united beyond caste and religion to protect the future of the next generation.

Manjula D. of Karnataka State United Street Vendors’ Association, recalled the contribution of some social reformers, such as Savitribai Phule, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and called upon citizens to carry forward their legacy by defending universal education.

D. Hanumanthappa, president of the Save Public Education Parents’ Committee of Ashraya Colony, criticised the Congress government in Karnataka for continuing policies similar to those proposed earlier by the BJP government.

Dr. Naseer condemned the government for implementing the policy without following democratic procedures, and alleged that it was being imposed despite widespread public opposition.

AIDSO Davangere district president Pooja Nandihalli, along with other office-bearers, led the protest. The protestors warned of intensifying the agitation if the government did not withdraw its order on KPS Magnet schools.