Karnataka CM signs Rs 206 crore CSR deals for government schools
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar signed agreements with 15 organisations to develop 56 schools under a new programme.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar signed corporate social responsibility (CSR) agreements worth Rs 206.10 crore with 15 organisations on Wednesday, according to ANI. The signing took place at Vidhana Soudha during the 'Namma Shale Namma Javabdari' programme to improve the state's government education system.
The initiative aims to strengthen school infrastructure through private sector partnerships. Shivakumar stated that the government is working to combine public and private participation to provide better learning opportunities for children across Karnataka.
The current agreements for 56 schools are part of a larger plan covering 112 government schools. This includes Rs 85 crore in agreements signed earlier in 2026 for 33 schools and Rs 64 crore in pending proposals for 23 schools. In total, 45 organisations are involved in a proposed investment of Rs 355.10 crore.
Shivakumar is also introducing a model where IT companies and institutions adopt primary village schools. Under this system, organisations build infrastructure using CSR funds and then return the schools to the state. He noted that 30 schools in his home district have already been adopted at a cost of approximately Rs 10-12 crore.
The Chief Minister said the goal is to improve panchayat schools to prevent rural families from moving to cities for schooling and work. He clarified that the state is looking for collaborative partnerships rather than direct cash payments.