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

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

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

Addressing the protesters, All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO) State Secretary Ajay Kamath criticized the order issued by the Karnataka government on October 15 and December 30, 2025, which proposed converting government schools in 5,900 gram panchayats into KPS Magnet schools. He said the plan is designed to close all other public schools within a five-mile radius of these magnet schools.

AIDSO State Vice President Apoorva CM said that both Congress and BJP are jointly responsible for the sad state of government schools in the state. He stated that people from all communities are united beyond caste and religion to safeguard the future of the next generation.

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

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

Dr. Naseer condemned the government for implementing this policy without following democratic procedures and claimed that this policy was imposed despite widespread public opposition.

AIDSO Davangere district president Pooja Nandihalli led the protest along with other officials. Protesters warned that the agitation would intensify if the government did not withdraw its order on KPS Magnet schools.