Opposition to the KPS (Karnataka Public School) Magnet School scheme reached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s constituency on January 10, with parents, students and activists staging a protest in Varuna village near here and declaring that they will not allow the closure of a single government school in the region.
The Varuna hobli-level protest convention, organised by the Save Public Education Committee at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan, drew residents from Chatnahalli, Chatnahalli Palya, Chatnahalli-1 (Puttegowdanahundi), Badagalahundi, Kempegowdanahundi, Hosahundi, Moodalahundi, and Hallikerehundi villages.
Varuna falls under the constituency represented by the Chief Minister. Raising slogans, parents and students expressed their opposition to the KPS Magnet Scheme announced by the State government.
Delivering the keynote address, All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) State vice-president Chandrakala accused both the Congress and BJP of not voicing against the scheme. “This movement goes beyond party politics, caste, and religion. We will fight unitedly until the government issues an order stating that no government school will be closed,” she said, announcing that Save Government School committees will be formed across villages in the State.
Kalyan Kumar, member of the AIDSO State Secretariat, referred to government orders issued on October 15 and December 30, 2025, stating that nearly 5,900 gram panchayats were being brought under the KPS Magnet School system. He alleged that the scheme will result in the closure of other government schools in the vicinity.
Social activist Ugra Narasimhe Gowda said the presence of a government school in every village symbolised the bond between the government and the people. He criticised the emphasis on vocational skills’ education and said that academic education was crucial.
All India United Trade Union Centre State vice-president Chandrashekhar Meti said the protest marked the beginning of a larger movement to safeguard village schools. “This is not a fight against one government, but a fight to ensure education for every child,” he said.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha State leader Hoskote Basavaraju warned that the closure of village schools will erode the spirit of Independence, while Dalit Sangharsh Samithi leader Choranahalli Shivanna urged people to unite against the scheme, alleging that it will take education away from poor students.
AIDSO State treasurer Subhash Bettadakoppa, district secretary Nitin, district vice-president Swathi, and other office-bearers were present.
Published – January 10, 2026 07:27 pm IST
