The Karnataka government has embarked on a transformative educational initiative, securing a substantial ₹2,500 crore project in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to upgrade 500 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) across the state. The agreement, signed on Friday, August 21, 2026, in the presence of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other senior officials, aims to provide comprehensive development for these schools, with implementation scheduled between 2026 and 2030. Of the total outlay, the ADB will contribute ₹1,750 crore, while the state government will provide the remaining ₹750 crore. This ambitious project is designed to offer free and quality education from LKG to Class 12 on a single campus within each KPS. Key features of the revamp include providing capacity for at least 1,200 students per KPS, integrating computer and AI education, skill development, career guidance from 6th grade, and fostering talent in music, literature, and sports. Additionally, the plan emphasizes bilingual teaching, continuous monitoring of student progress, and the recruitment of 15,000 new teachers, particularly those proficient in computer science. Chief Minister Shivakumar highlighted the project's long-term vision, stating it is 'not merely a project to develop schools, but a project to build the future of Karnataka for the next 50 years.' This initiative is expected to significantly enhance educational infrastructure and opportunities, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, ultimately contributing to the state's human resource development. This marks ADB's first large-scale financial assistance to the education sector in India, underscoring the project's significance and the state's commitment to educational reforms.
