Karnataka plans to establish additional Karnataka Public Schools after enrolment exceeded the numbers initially projected, state Education Minister S. Madhu Bangarappa said at a press conference in Shivamogga on Monday. The government is preparing detailed project reports for the new schools, which are expected to receive infrastructure investments of between ₹3 crore and ₹9 crore each.
The minister said Karnataka Public Schools, known as KPS institutions, had received a strong response in different parts of the state. He did not specify how many additional schools would be opened, where they would be located or when construction would begin. The detailed project report process is currently under way, according to the statement reported by Prajavani.
Each new KPS will be provided with infrastructure based on its requirements, with the planned investment ranging from ₹3 crore to ₹9 crore. The government also intends to appoint teachers for sports, music and other activities in addition to staff required for regular academic instruction.
The proposed schools are also expected to receive bus connectivity to make access easier for students. The minister did not provide details on the routes, operating model or funding arrangements for the proposed transport service. These details are likely to be established as the project reports are prepared.
The announcement comes as the state government is responding to higher student numbers across its school system. Bangarappa also said a rise in school enrolment had caused a minor disruption in the supply of textbooks, but that the issue would be resolved soon. The government has begun distributing free notebooks from this year and is conducting a state-level tender process for the supply of shoes and socks.
In another education-related announcement, the minister said the government had decided to distribute free textbooks to pre-university students for the first time in the state. The statement did not specify the number of students covered or the budget allocated for the programme.
The government is also planning a programme intended to introduce students from rural areas to urban life. Details of the programme and its implementation schedule have not yet been announced.
Bangarappa said a state-level programme involving the inauguration of Karnataka Public Schools in Shivamogga and development projects of various departments was also being planned. The event is expected to take place at Allamaprabhu Maidan after the chief minister’s schedule is finalised. The project reports for the additional schools and the chief minister’s date are the next stated milestones for the expansion plan.
