Shivakumar urges industries to channel CSR funds towards rural education
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday urged industries to partner with the government through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to improve the quality
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday urged industries to partner with the government through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to improve the quality of education in rural areas and introduce children to technology from the primary level. Addressing the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies and Industries Association (G BITCIA) Vision 2030 - CSR Summit 2026 in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the state had proposed developing 2,000 government schools with CSR support. Read Full Story He said quality education in rural areas was essential to reduce migration to cities for education and employment, pointing out that several teaching posts in government schools remained vacant. "Karnataka has a rich tradition of philanthropy. Great personalities from this land have carried out social service activities for centuries. People migrate to cities mainly for education and employment. To curb this migration, quality education must be made available in rural areas," he said. Shivakumar said CSR should be viewed as an investment in society and the future of children rather than simply as financial assistance to the government. He urged IT companies and other industries to adopt government schools and support their development while retaining their brand identity.
Companies could provide computers, laboratories, school buildings, vehicles and other infrastructure, he said. "There is no need for companies to contribute money to the government and then receive it back. Companies can directly appoint contractors and build schools. The government will provide land and all necessary support," he said. Shivakumar cited the CSR initiatives undertaken by companies such as Infosys and Wipro and said organisations doing meaningful work would be encouraged. He also highlighted three government schools developed along the Tamil Nadu border as examples of model institutions. "Contributing through CSR is not merely helping the government. It is an investment in society and in the future of our children. Institutions should support the development of rural schools according to their capacity," he said. URGES PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO ADOPT GOVT SCHOOLS Shivakumar also called on managements of major private schools to adopt at least one government school and contribute towards improving its infrastructure and teaching standards. He said private institutions could help equip government schools with computers and laboratories and improve other essential facilities. The deputy chief minister also flagged concerns over irregularities in the implementation of the provision reserving 25% of seats in private schools for children from economically weaker sections.
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