CSR funds of up to ₹10,000 crore to transform rural schools: D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that the State government plans to utilise between Rs 8,000 crore and Rs 10,000 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to upgrade infrastructure in rural government schools, aiming to bridge the education gap between villages and Bengaluru.

Addressing a state-level education convention at Palace Grounds, Shivakumar urged teachers to go beyond textbooks and inspire students to “create history, not just study history.” He stressed that educators carry the responsibility of shaping young minds and ensuring that children in rural areas receive the same quality of education as those in urban centres.

Quoting Dr B.R. Ambedkar, he said those who forget history cannot create history, and encouraged students to dream big through discipline, determination and hard work.

Highlighting staffing concerns, the Deputy Chief Minister said nearly one lakh vacancies have been identified, and the government has decided to fill 2.5 lakh posts overall. Of these, 56,000 positions have already been approved for immediate recruitment. He added that around 90,000 teachers would be hired soon as part of the broader recruitment drive.

Responding to demands from the Teachers’ Association, Shivakumar assured that the government would examine the feasibility of allotting a site for the body. He also appealed to teachers to continue their role in booth-level electoral work, stating that their involvement ensures fair voter enrolment.