ShivamoggaThe Legislative Council, on Monday, witnessed a heated debate on opening new Karnataka Public Schools, which might lead to the closure of many government schools.Responding to questions raised by members Umashree and Chidananda M. Gowda during the Question Hour, Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa said that there was no truth in comments and posts on social media suggesting the closure of a large number of government schools in the State.“We are not closing any Kannada school. Instead, I am ready to sanction new schools if there is a requirement. If there is even one student, we will provide a teacher, there will be a good building, and there will be staff to provide a midday meal,” he stated.However, Mr. Chidanand Gowda, reacting to the Minister’s statement, said that the Minister had not spoken about closing any school but it was implied. “It is like allowing someone to die without offering food. The same is happening with the government schools. We are not against to opening KP Schools, but this development will impact the government schools, particularly those in rural areas,” he said.The Minister said that the government had decided to upgrade 900 schools into KP Schools in the State. The schools to be located at gram panchayat headquarters would have all necessary facilities. “The students will study in one place for 14 years, including two years of pre-primary classes. They will get a good environment, where 1,200 students will be studying together. The KP schools will offer transport service free for students from rural areas,” he said.Janata Dal (Secular) member S.L. Bhoje Gowda, joining the issue, said that many schools were on the verge of closure because of no admissions. “People are not admitting their children to government schools because there are no proper buildings, no teachers and other facilities,” he alleged.Countering the allegation, Puttanna of the Congress said there were hardly any children left in villages to join the schools. Mr. Bangarappa maintained that the JD(S) members, when their party was in power, had supported the idea of KP Schools.Published - December 08, 2025 07:26 pm IST