Kalaburagi: The state govt’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to improve infrastructure and educational standards in govt schools has gained momentum, with 178 schools from the Kalyana Karnataka region selected for development under the Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) model as part of a plan to upgrade 1,000 schools across the state.Around 40 lakh students study in govt schools and PU colleges in Karnataka. The state govt has been focusing on infrastructure development, teacher recruitment, curriculum improvement, technology integration and student welfare programmes.However, several challenges remain, including the need for better infrastructure, modern laboratories, digital classrooms, transport facilities and skill-based education. To address these gaps, the state govt has sought support through CSR partnerships.A total of 178 schools across five districts of Kalyana Karnataka have been identified under the scheme. The breakdown includes Koppal district (Gangavathi: 15, Koppal: 8, Kushtagi: 6, Yalaburga: 8); Raichur district (Devadurga: 11, Lingsugur: 20, Manvi: 12, Raichur: 17, Sindhanur: 8); Yadgir district (Shahapur: 3, Surapur: 17, Yadgir: 8); Bidar district (Aurad: 3, Basavakalyana: 6, Humnabad: 1); and Kalaburagi district (Afzalpur: 5, Aland: 6, Chincholi: 2, Chittapur: 6, Gulbarga North: 2, Gulbarga South: 7, Jewargi: 5 and Sedam: 2), taking the district’s total to 35 schools.The KPS model offers education under one roof from pre-primary to second-year PUC, with modern facilities, quality teaching, digital learning, skill development and holistic education. The objective is to develop centres of excellence that provide quality education comparable to top institutions while remaining affordable.CSR cells have been set up in every district under the leadership of deputy commissioners to ensure smooth implementation and coordination. These cells will facilitate partnerships between schools and CSR contributors, assist with planning and approvals, execute standardised agreements, monitor implementation, ensure quality outcomes and maintain transparency.Kalaburagi deputy commissioner Ikram Sharif said, “The govt has formulated a scheme for the development of government schools under CSR. Corporate companies, industries, NGOs and other organisations can partner with the government to support the holistic development of education. Discussions with several companies are already under way, and we are confident many will come forward to participate.”
