Villagers of Talwai on Monday protested against the proposed closure of their government school in Dharwad district. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Villagers of Talwai in Dharwad district staged a protest led by the All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO) on February 9 against the proposed closure of their 75-year-old government school.
Addressing the protesters on February 9, AIDSO district secretary Shashikala Meti said the state government was closing thousands of schools under the KPS Magnet School programme. She said that Talwai School, which currently has an enrollment of 77 students, is proposed to be merged with the Government Model School for Senior Boys in Hebballi, terming the move unfair to the children of poor farmers and labourers.
She said six schools, including those in Vanahalli, Talwai, Maradagi, Hebballi and Shivalli, are proposed to be merged into the Hebballi magnet school, and said more than 500 schools are closing in Dharwad district alone. She also criticized the government for shifting the burden of transport to school development committees and monitoring committees and allegedly paving the way for private education.
Local resident Basavaraj Bangari said there was no justification for closing village schools, which serve as a ray of hope for poor families. According to him, the lack of proper bus transport will make it difficult for children to travel to distant schools as most parents work in the fields and return only in the evening.
Villagers have warned that they will intensify their agitation if the government proceeds with the shutdown. District President Sindhu Kaudi and several villagers and parents participated in the protest.
Published – 09 Feb 2026 20:02 IST
