Karnataka Plans 2,000 New Public Schools, Seeks CSR Funding
The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has announced plans to establish 2,000 Karnataka Public Schools across the state. Each school will serve three gram panchayats, aiming to improve access to quality education in rural areas.
In the first phase, approximately 800 schools will be built, with an estimated cost of ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore per school. The total investment for this phase could range from ₹8,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore, which the government plans to raise through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
Chief Minister Shivakumar made the announcement during a review meeting at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Thursday. He instructed officers to prepare for the project, including identifying CSR funding opportunities from corporations.
“We plan to use Corporate Social Responsibility funds for the construction of these schools and to provide infrastructure and technical amenities,” Shivakumar said. He also directed officials to coordinate with companies to secure commitments for the initiative.
Additionally, the Chief Minister urged large educational institutions in each district to adopt at least three government schools. “Our objective is to provide quality education to all,” he stated.
The proposal is part of the Congress government’s broader effort to strengthen the public education system in Karnataka. The schools are expected to be equipped with modern facilities, including digital classrooms and laboratories.
No timeline for the completion of the first phase was provided, but officials have been asked to expedite the planning process.
