The Karnataka government’s decision to establish education reform committees led by MLAs has drawn criticism from education experts and organizations. The People’s Alliance for Fundamental Right to Education (PAFRE) and other advocacy groups argue that this move violates the Right to Education (RTE) Act and undermines the autonomy of local school management systems.
The government’s directive, issued on January 13, 2025, followed by a memorandum on January 18, calls for the formation of these committees at the taluk level. Critics warn that the decision could lead to the politicization of school management and disrupt existing structures like the School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs).
Concerns Over Violations of the RTE Act
According to PAFRE, the move infringes on the RTE Act, which designates local bodies such as gram, taluk, and zilla panchayats to oversee key responsibilities in education, including:
- Establishing and maintaining schools.
- Ensuring access to education for all children.
- Managing school infrastructure and facilities.
PAFRE’s facilitator, Prof. Niranjanaradhya VP, criticized the government for bypassing local authorities and assigning these duties to MLAs, stating:
“The government is taking away the powers of local authorities and giving them to MLAs. This is against the law and disrupts how schools are managed.”
Impact on SDMCs
The SDMCs, established to ensure democratic functioning of schools, are likely to face disruption if MLA-led panels intervene in their responsibilities. PAFRE argues that this interference could harm the effective management of schools and weaken accountability structures that prioritize the welfare of students and educators.
Political Influence in Education
Critics have also expressed concerns over the politicization of school governance. Citing past controversies like the hijab issue, PAFRE warns that political interference could further destabilize the education system and divert focus from core educational objectives.
AIDSO’s Opposition to the Hub and Spoke Model
In addition to the MLA-led panels, the government’s proposed ‘Hub and Spoke’ model has also faced backlash. This model involves merging government schools with low attendance, a move intended to optimize resources.
However, the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) strongly opposes this plan, claiming it could lead to the closure of over 4,000 government schools. The AIDSO Karnataka State Committee criticized the government’s approach, arguing that it prioritizes cost-cutting over equitable access to education.
Broader Implications
The opposition to MLA-led reform panels and the Hub and Spoke model highlights growing concerns about the direction of education policy in Karnataka. Experts argue that these reforms risk undermining:
- Democratic governance in schools.
- Access to education in rural and underserved areas.
- The foundational principles of the RTE Act.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government faces mounting criticism from educational organizations, experts, and advocacy groups over its decision to involve MLAs in school management. With calls for the immediate withdrawal of these orders, the debate underscores the importance of safeguarding the autonomy and inclusivity of India’s public education system.
