Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a major step towards promoting mother-tongue education in the state, confirming that around 900 schools will soon be converted into Kannada Public Schools (KPS). This decision aligns with the state’s goal of strengthening Kannada-medium education while ensuring students receive high-quality, modern schooling.
I wanted to write about this because language in education is not just a policy issue—it shapes how children connect with their culture and community. In a country as linguistically diverse as India, learning in one’s mother tongue can improve understanding, confidence, and participation. Karnataka’s move is an important effort to balance regional identity with academic excellence. It highlights the government’s intent to make Kannada-medium schools both accessible and aspirational, breaking the notion that English-medium education is the only route to success.
Kannada Public Schools to Expand Across Karnataka
The state government has announced that 900 existing schools will be upgraded to Kannada Public Schools (KPS) in the coming academic year. These schools will follow the Karnataka Public School model, which provides education from primary to pre-university levels under one roof. The initiative aims to strengthen public education and attract more students to government-run institutions.
Each KPS will focus on providing holistic education with improved infrastructure, digital learning tools, and co-curricular activities, while Kannada will be the medium of instruction. The government believes this will help preserve linguistic heritage and promote inclusivity among students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Why Focus on Mother-Tongue Education Matters
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised that children learn better when taught in their mother tongue. Research and educational studies have consistently shown that early learning in one’s native language helps in developing stronger cognitive skills, critical thinking, and emotional understanding.
In the context of Karnataka, where Kannada is both a cultural identity and a bridge among communities, this initiative is seen as a way to strengthen linguistic pride. Moreover, the government hopes that promoting Kannada-medium schools with modern facilities will help parents see them as competitive alternatives to private English-medium institutions.
Government’s Vision for Kannada Public Schools
The idea behind Kannada Public Schools is to bring all stages of education—from primary to pre-university—within a single campus. This eliminates the need for students to shift schools frequently, ensuring continuity in learning.
The government also plans to:
- Upgrade infrastructure with modern classrooms, libraries, and science labs
- Integrate technology for digital learning and smart classrooms
- Offer English as a compulsory subject to maintain bilingual proficiency
- Recruit well-trained teachers and provide them with continuous professional development
- Encourage community participation in school development activities
These steps are designed to make government schools more attractive and effective while retaining the essence of local-language instruction.
Balancing Regional Identity and Global Readiness
While promoting Kannada as the medium of instruction, the government is also ensuring that students remain globally competitive. English will continue to be part of the curriculum so that students do not face language barriers in higher education or employment.
This approach reflects a balanced vision—one that values local roots without limiting global aspirations. By blending Kannada-medium education with modern learning tools, the government hopes to reshape the image of public schooling in Karnataka.
Public Response and Expected Impact
The announcement has been widely appreciated by educationists, parents, and cultural organisations. Many see this as a positive step toward strengthening government schools that have long struggled with declining enrolments. Experts believe that if implemented well, this initiative could reverse the trend of parents shifting children to private English-medium institutions.
Additionally, the emphasis on the mother tongue can make learning more engaging and relatable for children, especially those in rural areas where Kannada remains the dominant language of communication.
