SDMC coordination forum opposes appointment of MLAs as chairpersons of KPS schools
Shivamogga: The SDMC Coordination Forum has strongly opposed the state government’s decision to appoint local MLAs as chairpersons of Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), demanding instead that existing School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members continue as heads of the institutions.
Speaking to reporters at Shivamogga, SDMC treasurer Rudresh argued that when parents serve as SDMC presidents, they are more aware of the needs and issues of their children and schools. “Parents immediately identify and address problems, but MLAs have multiple constituency responsibilities. They won’t have time to attend meetings or act swiftly on school issues,” he said, warning that school development could stagnate under political leadership.
He added that several MLAs already run their own private schools and colleges, making it unrealistic to expect them to focus on improving government institutions. The forum has demanded that MLAs, if at all involved, should serve only as honorary chairpersons and act as guides rather than administrators.
The government had announced over 1,000 KPS institutions across the state, each funded with around ₹4 crore to upgrade infrastructure and provide private-school-level facilities. However, SDMC leaders have criticized the decision to overlook parent-led committees that have long been managing schools efficiently.
SDMC director Riyaz Ahmed stated that the move is politically motivated and detrimental to public education. “Education is the strength of the nation, and politicizing it will only weaken the system. MLAs have their own private institutions; expecting them to improve government schools is impractical,” he said.
The forum has warned of statewide protests and even legal action if the government fails to revoke its decision. They have also demanded that schools with higher student populations be prioritized for KPS upgrades and that SDMC consent be mandatory before implementing such changes.
