Govt invites corporates, NGOs to adopt schools

By Kumaran P | NT

Bengaluru: An initiative begun by former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, to improve public schools in Karnataka, has regained traction among the public. The main objective of this new model was to have schools that allowed students to study from kindergarten all the way to class 12 without interruption. The state government has now issued an order asking corporates, non-governmental organisations and other voluntary bodies to adopt schools and develop them on the lines of the KPS model.

There are currently 276 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) and the government intends to increase the number in a phased-manner. A senior official from the Department of Primary and Secondary Education said, “KPS schools were developed to ensure that there are no drop-outs and that students can begin at kindergarten and graduate after their pre-university (class 12) under a single roof. This will encourage them to keep studying even after grade 10. The medium of instruction at KPSs will be English and the language will be taught as well.”

The public-private partnership model has been a conscious choice, the official added. “The working classes can also pitch in by contributing to a noble cause – educating children.” There are a number of criteria that must be met by those who want to start a private school. “The government will no longer fund adopted schools,” the official explained, adding that they might provide faculty if needed.”

The Education Department’s order, which is with News Trail, says that corporate companies have to choose schools that are neither private nor aided. The organizations must also pick larger schools, which have at least 500 students on campus. They should also have KG, primary, secondary and higher secondary classes.

The department has said that in urban areas, the area of the school should be sufficient, in keeping with KPS rules and in rural areas, premises must be at least between three and four acres when adopted. The government will help organizations identify schools that are eligible. Several corporate companies are already contributing, the government said. “These schools can be handed over to them in their entirety, or to NGOs that can run them.”