Karnataka Bandh on March 22, 2025: Impact on Schools Amid Statewide Protests

Bengaluru, March 22, 2025 – A statewide bandh called by pro-Kannada organizations, led by the umbrella group Kannada Okkuta, took effect today from 6 AM to 6 PM, disrupting normal life across Karnataka. The shutdown, organized to protest multiple issues—including the alleged assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi, the recent Bengaluru Metro fare hike, and the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill—has raised significant concerns about its impact on schools, particularly as the state navigates a critical examination period.

Schools Remain Open Despite Uncertainty

Unlike previous bandhs, such as those in September 2023 over the Cauvery water dispute, the Karnataka government has explicitly stated it will not support this shutdown. Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha G clarified on Friday that no official holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in the city. This decision comes amid the ongoing Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams, which began on March 21, and other scheduled assessments for CBSE and ISC board students. The government’s stance reflects a prioritization of academic continuity, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasizing, “We don’t encourage a bandh. The courts also do not support a bandh, whether it is political or organized by any group. It will impact students whose exams have already begun.”

However, the lack of an official holiday has not eliminated uncertainty. The Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka (KAMS) has expressed moral support for the bandh but opted not to participate actively due to the examination schedule. D. Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of KAMS, noted, “We want to participate in the protest, but we can only extend moral support due to the ongoing exams across the state. Cancelling or postponing them will affect children, which we don’t want to happen.” Many schools, particularly in Bengaluru, have adopted a cautious “wait-and-watch” approach, leaving the decision to individual managements based on local conditions.

Transportation Disruptions Pose Challenges

The bandh’s most immediate impact on schools stems from anticipated disruptions to transportation. Cab drivers affiliated with the Ola Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association have pledged full support for the shutdown, meaning ride-hailing services will be unavailable. Additionally, a significant portion of Bengaluru’s approximately 2 lakh autorickshaws may not operate, and while the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have not yet confirmed their stance, limited bus services are expected. These disruptions threaten students’ ability to reach school safely, particularly those reliant on public or hired transport.

In response, some institutions have taken proactive measures. For instance, Bethany School Principal Robert Khin addressed concerns about the ISC Home Science-Paper 1 (theory) exam scheduled for Saturday, stating, “The council has not taken any decision to shut down the school in view of the bandh. Parents have collectively agreed to drop their wards on their own to school for the examination without depending on public transport.” Other schools are considering online classes or rescheduling internal assessments to mitigate disruptions, though no statewide mandate for such alternatives has been issued.

Examination Season Under Pressure

The timing of the bandh—falling during the SSLC exams and overlapping with CBSE Class 12 Political Science and ISC Home Science exams—has heightened tensions. While no SSLC exams are scheduled for Saturday, the broader examination season has schools on edge. The Karnataka State ICSE Schools Association has confirmed that examination dates will remain unchanged, with approximately 50 ISC-affiliated institutions, including 20 in Bengaluru, proceeding as planned. This rigidity underscores the priority placed on academic schedules, but it also places additional pressure on students and parents to navigate the bandh’s logistical challenges.

In contrast, some schools with exams for lower classes have opted to continue as scheduled, with managements arguing that postponements could disrupt students’ preparation timelines. However, the lack of uniform guidance has left parents and students seeking clarity from individual school administrations, with many turning to phone calls and WhatsApp groups for updates as the bandh unfolds.

Mixed Support and Regional Variations

The bandh’s impact on schools varies across Karnataka. In southern districts like Mandya, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagara—where past bandhs over the Cauvery issue saw widespread closures—support for today’s shutdown appears stronger, potentially leading to more significant disruptions. However, major factions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, led by T.A. Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty, have not endorsed the bandh, suggesting a fragmented response that may limit its statewide effect. Northern districts like Ballari, Kalaburagi, and Hubballi-Dharwad have indicated moral support but are less likely to see school closures or transport shutdowns.

In Bengaluru, the epicenter of the protest, a planned march from Town Hall to Freedom Park is expected to draw significant crowds, further complicating movement in the city. While essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, and fuel stations are slated to remain operational, the closure of local markets and reduced public transport could indirectly affect school attendance, even where institutions remain open.

Government and Public Sentiment

The state government’s opposition to the bandh reflects broader concerns about its economic and social fallout. Deputy CM Shivakumar has directed officials to engage with Kannada Okkuta leaders, including activist Vatal Nagaraj, to dissuade them from taking disruptive actions. “They cannot take the law into their own hands,” he warned, signaling a firm stance against any escalation. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, drawing from his handling of past bandhs, has reiterated that peaceful protests will not be curtailed, but the administration is prepared to maintain law and order with heightened police deployment.

Public sentiment, as reflected in posts on X, is mixed. Some users report that schools remain open with security assurances, while others anticipate disruptions and advise caution. Parents and students are urged to stay updated via official channels and school communications, as the situation remains fluid.

Looking Ahead

As Karnataka navigates this 12-hour bandh, the impact on schools highlights a delicate balance between civic expression and educational continuity. While the government and school associations strive to minimize disruption, the success of this effort hinges on transportation availability and the scale of public participation. For now, students, parents, and educators are left to adapt to an evolving scenario, with the hope that the day passes without significant incident.

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This article is based on available information as of 4:02 AM PDT on March 22, 2025, and reflects the latest developments surrounding the Karnataka Bandh and its implications for schools across the state.