Free PU Textbooks and 800 KPS Schools Planned in Karnataka

The Karnataka government has reiterated its focus on student welfare, with free textbooks for first and second PU students now being distributed across the state. School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced the measures during a press briefing in Shivamogga.

According to the minister, textbook supplies have already reached most schools. Officials have also been asked to act quickly in places where student enrolment has changed and additional books are needed. The aim is to ensure that students do not have to wait for textbooks after the academic year begins.

The government has also started the process of providing free textbooks to first and second PU students. The move is part of the wider support being offered to students through government schools and colleges.

Footwear supplied to students has also come under scrutiny. Complaints about poor quality shoes prompted the department to seek a statewide tender after receiving approval from the state cabinet. Officials have been instructed to replace shoes and socks promptly if the sizes supplied to students do not fit.

The minister also warned that contractors found responsible for poor quality supplies or irregularities would face strict action. The department, he said, is committed to ensuring that promised student benefits reach schools properly.

The wider package includes free electricity for schools along with mid day meals, milk, eggs, shoes and textbooks. The government says these facilities are intended to reduce the financial burden on families while improving the basic support available to students.

Another major proposal involves the creation of 800 Karnataka Public Schools. The plan had earlier been announced as part of the government’s effort to expand access to better equipped public schools across the state.

The proposal has already received approval at the planning stage. Although the allocation for the project may be made in the next financial year, preparations are being made to begin the process earlier, subject to budget arrangements.

The change in state leadership has added another step to the process. The education department is expected to place the KPS expansion plan before Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for further discussion and approval before moving towards implementation.

Once the budget arrangements are finalised, the department plans to invite tenders and begin work on the approved KPS projects. The exact locations and implementation schedule will depend on the next stage of government decisions.

The latest announcements indicate that the government is focusing on both immediate student needs, such as textbooks and footwear, and longer term changes through the expansion of Karnataka Public Schools. The effectiveness of these measures will depend largely on timely distribution and proper monitoring at the school level.