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

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

In the protest held at Harapanahalli Circle under the 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 places in Harihar strongly condemned the move.

In his address to the protesters, All India Democratic Students’ Organization (AIDSO) State Secretary Ajay Kamath criticized the Karnataka government’s order on October 15 and December 30, 2025, which proposed converting government schools in panchayats of 5,900 grams into KPS magnet schools. He said the plan was to close all other government schools within a three-mile radius of these magnet schools.

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

Manjula D. of the 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 on citizens to continue their legacy by championing universal education.

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

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

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