Students’ Body Applauds Minister’s Remarks on Schools

Rapid Summary:

• The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), Mysuru, welcomed the assurance by Minister for School Education, Madhu Bangarappa, that no government school in Karnataka has been closed due to low admissions and none will be closed in the future.
• AIDSO attributed this outcome to a large-scale public movement involving students, parents, teachers, and citizens who participated in a 50-lakh signature campaign opposing previous government plans to close or merge schools with low student enrollment.
• Despite this statement from the minister, the order allowing closure and merger of schools with low admissions remains officially in force.
• AIDSO called on citizens to stay vigilant until the order is fully withdrawn.
• The organization urged the government to address critical issues by repairing over 21,000 dilapidated school buildings and filling more than 61,000 teaching vacancies.

Indian opinion Analysis:

The Karnataka government’s assurance against shutting down underpopulated government schools reflects responsiveness to grassroots activism. AIDSO’s notable mobilization through its widespread signature campaign highlights how collective civic efforts can impact policymaking. However, concerns remain as long as the official order enabling closures has not been rescinded-a situation requiring sustained vigilance by stakeholders.

Beyond halting closures, AIDSO’s call for structural improvements presents an urgent challenge for public education in Karnataka. with over 21,000 poorly maintained school buildings and more than 61,000 teaching vacancies cited as needing attention-a reflection of larger systemic gaps-the emphasis must shift toward strengthening infrastructure and human resources that directly affect educational outcomes at scale.

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