DK Shivakumar Calls for Private Schools to Support Rural Education Amid Drought Concerns

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to leading private schools to play a greater role in improving the quality of education in rural areas by adopting government schools that are struggling with teacher shortages. He said such partnerships could help bridge the gap between urban and rural education while ensuring children in villages receive better learning opportunities.

Speaking to reporters at the Vedavathi Science College grounds in Hiriyur, Chitradurga district, Shivakumar said the initiative is aimed at strengthening primary education through collaboration rather than replacing the government’s role. He explained that only selected institutions meeting specific criteria would be considered for the program.

The Deputy Chief Minister suggested that well established private schools should use their expertise and resources to assist government schools by deploying teachers and sharing best educational practices. He also encouraged private institutions to utilize their Corporate Social Responsibility funds to improve education standards in rural Karnataka.

According to Shivakumar, children living in villages should not be forced to migrate to cities simply to access quality education. He said every student deserves educational opportunities comparable to those available in Bengaluru and other urban centers.

He noted that the state government is already spending nearly Rs 1.40 lakh per child on education, yet several challenges continue to affect the delivery of quality learning in government schools. He added that discussions have already been held with representatives of private educational institutions to explore ways of improving the system through cooperation.

Responding to criticism over the proposal, Shivakumar said he would address concerns after hearing directly from private schools. He clarified that the plan does not involve every private institution adopting government schools, but instead focuses on a structured model with defined eligibility standards.

Alongside education, Shivakumar also reviewed the drought situation in Karnataka during his visit to Chitradurga. He said he deliberately chose to conduct a progress review meeting in the region instead of Bengaluru so officials could assess conditions more closely in districts facing water related challenges.

He informed reporters that meetings had already been held with Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers to evaluate the situation in Chitradurga and neighboring districts including Tumakuru, Shivamogga and Davanagere. He also planned to visit affected areas to understand the ground reality.

Highlighting the state’s rainfall situation, Shivakumar said adequate rainfall has been limited mainly to the Almatti region, while most other parts of Karnataka continue to receive insufficient precipitation. He warned that drought conditions are becoming more severe across several districts.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government has already instructed officials to ensure there is no shortage of drinking water. He added that further discussions with public representatives and district authorities will continue to monitor the evolving drought situation and implement necessary measures wherever required.

Shivakumar also announced that he would return to Chitradurga the following day to attend a memorial event in honor of the late Sudhakar while continuing his review of drought conditions in the region.