DK Shivakumar Urges Industries to Use CSR Funds for Rural Education, Proposes Development of 2,000 Government Schools

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has called on industries and private educational institutions to actively invest their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in strengthening government schools across rural Karnataka. Addressing industry leaders in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said improving rural education is essential to reducing migration to cities while ensuring children gain access to quality education and modern technology from an early age.

Speaking at the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies and Industries Association (G BITCIA) Vision 2030 – CSR Summit 2026, the Deputy Chief Minister revealed that the Karnataka government aims to develop 2,000 government schools through CSR partnerships with private companies.

Government Seeks Industry Partnership to Upgrade Rural Schools

Highlighting Karnataka's long-standing culture of philanthropy, Shivakumar said companies should view CSR spending as an investment in society rather than merely financial assistance to the government.

He encouraged industries to directly adopt government schools and improve infrastructure by building classrooms, laboratories, computer facilities, transportation services, and other essential amenities while maintaining their own brand identity.

According to Shivakumar, companies need not transfer CSR funds to the government before executing projects.

"Companies can directly appoint contractors and develop schools. The government will provide land and all necessary support," he said.

He cited successful CSR initiatives by companies such as Infosys and Wipro, adding that similar collaborations could significantly transform government schools across Karnataka.

Rural Education Key to Reducing Migration

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that lack of quality education in villages forces many families to migrate to urban areas in search of better educational opportunities.

He also pointed out that several teaching positions in government schools remain vacant, making private sector participation even more important in improving educational standards.

According to Shivakumar, providing quality education in rural areas would not only reduce migration but also strengthen local communities and create equal learning opportunities for children across the state.

Private Schools Asked to Adopt Government Institutions

Apart from industries, Shivakumar appealed to major private schools to adopt at least one government school and contribute towards improving teaching standards and infrastructure.

He suggested that private institutions could support government schools by providing:

• Computer laboratories
• Science labs
• Digital learning equipment
• Improved classroom infrastructure
• Other essential educational facilities

The initiative, he said, would help bridge the gap between urban and rural education.

Concerns Raised Over 25% Reservation Implementation

Shivakumar also highlighted irregularities in implementing the 25% reservation for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) in private schools.

He alleged that middlemen and illegal payments were affecting the admission process and said stronger monitoring mechanisms were needed to eliminate malpractice.

To improve transparency, the Karnataka government plans to appoint a dedicated IAS officer to oversee CSR projects and monitor how funds are utilised across sectors.

Students Should Experience Rural Life

The Deputy Chief Minister also proposed greater interaction between urban students and rural communities.

He suggested that students should spend time in villages to understand agriculture, farming practices and the contribution of farmers to daily life.

Shivakumar said he has requested the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, to consider introducing a curriculum requiring students to spend three days in a village as part of their education.

According to him, exposing children to agriculture would help them appreciate food production and strengthen their understanding of rural India's contribution to the economy.

Karnataka's CSR Potential Remains Untapped

Shivakumar noted that Karnataka has the potential to attract nearly ₹10,000 crore annually in CSR investments across sectors. However, CSR spending during 2024–25 stood at around ₹3,394 crore, indicating significant untapped potential.

He urged industries to prioritise sectors such as education and healthcare, saying stronger CSR participation could accelerate inclusive development across the state.

He also recalled former President Pranab Mukherjee's role in strengthening India's CSR framework, describing CSR as a mechanism to encourage institutions to contribute meaningfully to society beyond business interests.