The State government’s move to merge government schools under the KPS Magnet Scheme and the PM Shri School initiative has triggered strong opposition from villagers and parents, with the All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) accusing the State of “shutting down neighbourhood schools” in the name of educational reforms.

In a press release, AIDSO Mysuru District Committee alleged that while the government claims to be building a model education system through its “8 Guarantees” for education, it is simultaneously closing down government schools through mergers.

The organisation stated that the process of merging surrounding schools into PM Shri schools has already begun and that the government has issued orders to merge 317 schools across the State under the PM Shri scheme. It also alleged that Pre-University colleges are also being merged.

AIDSO, in the release, cited the case of Arsikere taluk, Hassan district, where an official list has reportedly been released for the merger of schools from several villages. According to the release, 305 students from 15 villages, including 58 students from Hallakatte, 28 from M.V. Hatti, 34 from Hire Sadarahalli, and 40 from Holalkere, are reportedly proposed to be shifted to D.M. Kurke KPS Magnet School.

“Parents, villagers, and School Development and Monitoring Committee members from these villages have opposed the move and have submitted representations to the Block Education Officer and the government demanding that neighbourhood schools be retained in their villages,” AIDSO said.

Condemning the policy, the organisation’s Mysuru district secretary Nitin urged the State government to withdraw the merger process and appealed to people to strengthen the movement to ‘Save Our Neighbourhood School’.