A Karnataka Public School in Bengaluru. The State Government has decided to introduce mandatory vocational education for students from class 6 in Karnataka Public Schools.
| Photo Credit: Sudhakara Jain
The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has opposed the State Government’s decision to introduce mandatory vocational education for students from class 6 in Karnataka Public Schools (KPSs).
AIDSO District Secretary Shashikala Meti has alleged that the proposal to introduce mandatory vocational education under STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) framework, was an indirect attempt to implement the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020.
She claimed that NEP had already been rejected by the people of Karnataka, and contended that the programme, designed in partnership with industry stakeholders, would undermine foundational learning in subjects such as the mother tongue, mathematics, science and social sciences.
Shashikala Meti said has said that education should focus on developing independent thinking, character and intellectual growth, rather than merely imparting vocational skills.
AIDSO would urge the State Government to withdraw the STEAM-based vocational education programme, she has said, and appealed to students, parents and educationists to oppose the move in the interest of the public education system.
Published – June 29, 2026 10:17 am IST
