The All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) and district-level committees working to protect public education will organise a divisional-level convention titled Nammura Shaale Ulisi (Save Our Village Schools) in Kalaburagi on Saturday, amid growing concern over the State government’s proposal to establish Karnataka Public Schools by closing down government schools.

AIDSO district secretary Venkatesh Deodurg and members Abhaya Diwakar, addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Wednesday, said that the proposed magnet school scheme can lead to the closure of several government schools in rural areas.

Mr. Deodurg said that according to a Government Order of October 15, 2025, the establishment of one magnet school in each gram panchayat by consolidating students from surrounding villages within a radius of 3-5 km can result in the closure of eight to 10 nearby government schools.

He contends that if around 6,000 Karnataka Public Schools are established across the State, more than 40,000 existing government schools can eventually face closure. This will reduce the State’s responsibility in maintaining the functioning of government schools.

Another concern raised by activists relates to the possibility of outsourcing the management of magnet schools. They fear that such a move can gradually pave the way for greater private participation in the management of government-run institutions, potentially undermining the principle of free education.

Activists also highlighted severe teacher shortage and poor infrastructure in government schools. In Kalyana Karnataka alone, 21,000 teaching posts are vacant, while 59,000 posts remain unfilled across the State, they added.

They said that the convention aims to mobilise public opinion and demand strengthening of existing government schools rather than their consolidation or closure. They also expressed concern that funds allocated for education under the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB) are being directed primarily towards magnet schools.