Karnataka Schools Close: In a move that touches both education and community development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a temporary school holiday from 8th to 18th October across all government schools in the state. This decision comes as a part of the ongoing social and educational survey, which is being conducted alongside the caste census, to ensure that teachers involved in this essential project can dedicate themselves fully to completing the work.
The Chief Minister explained that while some districts like Koppal have successfully completed 97% of the survey, other areas such as Udupi (63%) and South Kannada (60%) are still lagging behind. Recognizing the urgency, Siddaramaiah held a meeting with his cabinet officials and decided to extend the survey deadline by ten days to ensure no district is left behind.
Completing the Survey Within Eight Days
With only eight days remaining, the state is racing to finish the survey by 18th October. Teachers who are currently engaged in mid-term examinations will be temporarily reassigned to focus on this survey project, underlining the government’s commitment to gather comprehensive and accurate data. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that with focused effort, the entire state’s survey will be completed within this extended timeframe.
Acknowledging the Sacrifices of Survey Workers
During the survey, tragically, three employees lost their lives. CM Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh each for the families of these dedicated workers, honoring their service and sacrifice. This announcement brought a sense of empathy and respect for those risking their lives to ensure the survey’s success.
Emphasis on Social Justice and Inclusion
The survey has also reignited discussions around social justice, particularly regarding the Kuruba community’s inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of increasing reservation for this community, ensuring that no group’s rights are compromised. He highlighted that the efforts to include Kurubas in the ST category were initiated under former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa and had been formally forwarded to the central government during Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure. The CM reiterated that this step is essential to provide equal opportunities while respecting the rights of all communities.
Karnataka’s government, through these initiatives, is striving to balance education, social equity, and efficient governance, even if it means temporarily halting classroom learning. The extended school holiday is not just a pause in academic routine—it’s a vital step toward ensuring that no teacher or district is left behind in shaping a fairer and more inclusive society.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and official announcements. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute official government advice.