On Tuesday, people from various backgrounds, including parents, students, and youth leaders, protested in Kalghatgi, Dharwad district. They opposed the Karnataka Public Schools Scheme that plans to close government schools. The protest took place at Bammigatti Cross, led by the Save Public Education Committee. They condemned the Government Orders from October 15 and December 30, 2025, which propose turning government schools in 5,900 gram panchayats into Karnataka Public Schools. Ashwini K.S., State president of the All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO), criticized the scheme. She said it aims to shut down all other government schools within a 5-km area of new magnet schools. "The scheme is designed to shut down all other government schools within a 5-km radius of the new magnet schools," she stated. Ashwini added that 17 lakh students have dropped out in the last 15 years and the scheme will make education harder for children of farmers and farm workers. Sharanabasava Gonawar of AIKKMS warned, "Privatisation of education will result in education becoming the property of the rich and the depressed and exploited people will be further pushed down." He said closing government schools will stop working-class families from sending children to school. Vinay Chandra, AIDSO State secretariat member, blamed both Congress and BJP for the poor state of government schools. He said, "People from all communities have united beyond caste and religion to protect the future of the next generation." Sanjeev Desai, President of Save Public Education Committee from Emmetti village, said villagers have donated land for a school. He warned of protests if the government closes their school. The protest meeting was presided over by AIDSO district secretary Shashikala Meti with district president Sindhu Kowdi giving introductory remarks. Other leaders, including Amrut Lamani, Ramu Edge, Basapp Tadas, and Mohan Lamani, also led the protest. Protestors warned the State government that they would intensify agitation if it does not withdraw the orders on magnet schools.