Eighteen Kannada-medium government aided schools across the State have been closed down since the start of the 2017-2018 academic year in June.
All these are high schools and have been asked to close as they have sections with student strength less than 25. This includes the eight Kannada medium schools that were ordered to close in Bengaluru South. The Hindu had reported that eight government schools in Bengaluru South were closed as they did not have the required student strength for three consecutive years.
Schools identified for shifting students
Officials in the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) pointed out that the department would first issue an order withdrawing recognition from the school and later, withdraw grants from the school. It has identified schools to shift the existing students. Teachers employed in these schools, too, will be redeployed.
Several officials in the department pointed out that many aided school managements were coming forward requesting closure of the schools as they were finding it difficult to run them.
“With the mushrooming of private schools in the city, several Kannada medium aided high schools are bearing the brunt and are unable to survive,” the official added.
