Villagers of Belagavi district gear up for April 10 protest to save govt schools

Belagavi: Preparations are underway across several villages in Belagavi district for a state-level mass rally against the state govt's's decision to close nearly 40,000 govt schools under the Karnataka Public School (KPS) Magnet Scheme. The protest is scheduled to be held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on April 10.Villagers in Honnihal, Kuttalavadi, Balagamatti, Mallaholi, Halabavi, Tallur, Kajagal and Madamgeri have already held meetings under the banner of the All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) and the Save Public Education campaign. Following these meetings, volunteers are going door-to-door to mobilise parents and students to participate in the rally.Parents and students from villages across the state are expected to arrive in Bengaluru in large numbers, raising slogans such as ‘Let our schools survive'.Opposition to the KPS Magnet Scheme has been growing since the winter session of the legislature held in Belagavi. Over the past four months, educationists, parents and villagers have been protesting what they call an attempt to dismantle public education. Under the leadership of AIDSO, struggle committees have been formed in several villages, with residents asserting that they will not allow their neighbourhood schools to be shut down. Several renowned writers and educationists have also criticised the move, warning that it would permanently push children from poor families out of the education system.Despite the opposition, the govt has proceeded with measures to implement the scheme. Mapping of schools identified for closure or merger has been completed, and surveys of magnet schools are underway. Verbal instructions have reportedly been issued to principals of schools earmarked for merger. Notices have also been given to schools ahead of parent meetings scheduled on April 8 and 9, urging them to shift students to KPS institutions from the next academic year. A meeting of DDPI and BEO officials was held on April 1 to streamline the process.AIDSO state leader Mahantesh Bilur said the struggle against what he termed an anti-people decision would be intensified. Senior writers, educationists, activists, lawyers and farmer leaders are expected to participate in the Freedom Park public meeting, he added.