Karnataka seeks private school support to transform rural government schools
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has proposed a model to link 2,000 government schools with private institutions to improve education quality.
The Karnataka government is looking to private educational institutions to help transform rural government schools, according to a News18 report. Under the “Namma Shaale Namma Javabdari” (Our School, Our Responsibility) initiative, the state plans to link 2,000 government schools with private institutions in phases, starting with 1,000 schools.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to private school managements to share resources, expertise, and teaching facilities. The government is asking private schools to provide teachers, school buses, laboratory equipment, and computers. One suggestion involves deputing 10 experienced teachers to government schools while the private institution continues to pay their salaries.
Shivakumar stated that institutions would have the freedom to decide which government schools to support and the extent of their contribution. He noted that providing quality education in villages could reduce migration to Bengaluru, which adds to the city's congestion and traffic pressure.
The state has already seen some private-sector participation. Toyota has supported the construction of 23 schools in Ramanagara district, with investments between Rs 10 crore and Rs 15 crore per school. On Wednesday, 15 organisations signed agreements worth Rs 206.10 crore to upgrade 56 government schools as Karnataka Public Schools (KPS).
With 18 earlier agreements worth Rs 85 crore covering 33 schools, the total commitment stands at Rs 291.10 crore for 89 schools. Additionally, the government has secured a Rs 2,000-crore World Bank loan for infrastructure development in Karnataka Public Schools.