Century-old schools in Mysuru face closure threat

The proposed merger of some of Mysuru’s oldest government schools, including an institution established during the reign of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and another with nearly 150 years of history, has sparked opposition, with the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) alleging that the move could lead to the closure of heritage schools serving children from economically weaker sections.

The controversy centres around the State government’s plan to convert the Government Primary School at Gadichowka in Nanjumalige into a KPS Magnet School. Under the proposal, the historic Sri Krishnaraja Government School at B.B. Garden, Bala Bodhini School in Chamundipuram, and the Government School in Jayanagar are to be merged with the institution.

AIDSO claimed the move amounts to shutting down schools that have played a key role in Mysuru’s public education system for generations.

Among the institutions likely to be affected is the Sri Krishnaraja Government School at B.B. Garden, established in 1918 by Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar on land donated by Bhakshi Basappa. The school was founded to provide modern education to children from socially and economically disadvantaged communities and continues to function with more than 30 students.

Also under the proposed merger is Bala Bodhini School in Chamundipuram, an institution with nearly 150 years of history that has educated generations of students. According to AIDSO, around 25 to 30 children are currently enrolled there, with some travelling from Madapura, nearly eight kilometres away, to attend classes.

Expressing concern over the future of the institutions, AIDSO District Secretary Nitin said in a statement that the government was attempting to merge and effectively close historically significant schools instead of upgrading and strengthening them.

The organisation alleged that several old government schools continue to function without adequate infrastructure and have remained neglected for years, with many buildings lacking repairs, repainting, and roof maintenance.

AIDSO also argued that government schools continue to be the main educational avenue for children from poor families, including those of construction workers, garment workers and pourakarmikas, particularly in urban areas where private schools dominate.

Warning that closure of such institutions would adversely affect access to education for underprivileged children, it demanded that the merger proposal be withdrawn and that the schools be preserved and strengthened.