Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) are being developed as an integrated education model offering schooling from Lower Kindergarten (LKG) to Class 12, or II PUC, under one roof in both Kannada and English mediums, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said.

Bangarappa made the remarks while laying the foundation stone for a new KPS building being constructed at a cost of ₹13.5 crore through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Ajax Engineering Charitable Trust. The event was jointly organised by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of School Education and Literacy, Shivamogga Ajax Engineering Limited and Ajax Engineering Charitable Trust. 

The minister described Karnataka Public Schools as an ambitious initiative aimed at providing quality education from the early years through higher secondary education within a single institution. The model is intended to provide students with continuity in their schooling while strengthening government education infrastructure.

Bangarappa also highlighted the state's 'Namma Shaale Namma Javabdhari' (Our School, Our Responsibility) initiative, under which community participation is being encouraged in the development of government schools. He said several programmes were being undertaken by the Education Department to improve educational facilities and create better opportunities for children. 

According to the minister, 11 Karnataka Public Schools are already functioning in Shivamogga district, while another 24 have been sanctioned with assistance from the Asian Development Bank. The state is also working on a larger CSR-backed project to develop 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools across Karnataka.

In Shivamogga district alone, work is in progress to establish 35 KPS schools, according to the minister. The expansion is part of the government's broader effort to strengthen public education infrastructure and increase access to quality schooling.

The new KPS building being constructed with support from Ajax Engineering Charitable Trust will include 35 well-equipped classrooms, toilets and an Akshara Dasoha Bhavan. The project is targeted for completion within two years, after which the building will be handed over to the Education Department. 

Bangarappa also stressed the importance of community involvement in strengthening government schools. While speaking about the responsibility of the Education Department, he called for greater public attention towards the development of schools, noting that education plays a central role in shaping the future of children.

The KPS model, with education planned from LKG through II PUC in Kannada and English, is aimed at creating a more integrated government-school system in Karnataka. With new schools being sanctioned through government and development assistance as well as CSR funding, the state is seeking to expand the reach of the model across districts.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on Thursday, clearing the path for Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to assume leadership of the Congress government in the state.

Breakfast Meeting Confirms Transition

Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues about the decision during a breakfast meeting at his official Bengaluru residence this morning. Law Minister H K Patil confirmed that ministers present at the gathering approved Shivakumar's name as the successor.

The outgoing Chief Minister is scheduled to visit Lok Bhavan at 2:30 PM to submit his resignation papers, followed by a press conference at 3 PM. Visuals from the breakfast meeting showed Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah's feet in a traditional gesture, after which the two leaders embraced—images that political circles interpreted as a signal of unity within the Congress.

Governor Out of Bengaluru

Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with Governor Thawarchand Gehlot to formally tender his resignation. However, officials confirmed the Governor is currently in Indore due to personal reasons. Under constitutional provisions, the Chief Minister can submit his resignation in writing to Raj Bhavan officials even in the Governor's absence. Siddaramaiah will remain in office until the resignation is formally accepted.

 The 2.5-Year Formula Takes Effect

Speculation over a leadership change has shadowed the Karnataka Congress ever since it formed government in May 2023. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were strong contenders for the top post at the time. According to party insiders, Rahul Gandhi and the high command brokered an informal rotational arrangement—Siddaramaiah would serve the first half of the term, and Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years.

Though Siddaramaiah's supporters repeatedly denied any formal agreement, the Shivakumar camp consistently maintained the deal existed. The government completed two-and-a-half years in November 2025, after which pressure from Shivakumar's faction intensified. A six-hour meeting in Delhi on May 26 finalised the transition plan.

 Major Cabinet Reshuffle Expected

The leadership change is likely to trigger a significant cabinet overhaul. Sources indicate 15 to 20 ministers could be dropped or replaced. Discussions are underway regarding two Deputy Chief Minister posts to balance caste and regional equations—one position may go to a Dalit leader, another to a Lingayat or OBC face. Siddaramaiah's son is also expected to be accommodated in the new cabinet.

 BJP Launches Attack

The opposition BJP quickly criticised the Congress over the developments. State BJP president BY Vijayendra claimed internal infighting had paralysed governance and accused the Siddaramaiah government of pushing Karnataka into heavy debt. The BJP has repeatedly attacked the Congress over leadership speculation since 2023, arguing the state government remained distracted by power struggles.

The Congress Legislature Party is expected to meet on Friday to formally elect Shivakumar as its leader before staking claim to form the new government.