Addressing representatives of private school managements and CSR organisations in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the state government aims to connect 1,000 government schools with private institutions in the initial phase. The broader plan is to extend the initiative to 2,000 schools. According to PTI, the Chief Minister said the government had divided approximately 6,000 gram panchayats into three categories to facilitate the programme. He expressed confidence that the initiative would produce results over the next four to five years. The programme also witnessed the signing of 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 206.10 crore for the development of 56 government schools. Earlier in 2026, another 18 MoUs worth Rs 85 crore had been signed to upgrade 33 schools. An additional 12 agreements worth Rs 64 crore, covering 23 schools, are in the final stages of signing. Karnataka CM Outlines CSR Support For Government Schools Shivakumar said private schools could select government institutions based on their convenience and financial capacity. He clarified that contributions need not be restricted to large infrastructure projects. Suggesting different ways in which private institutions could contribute, he asked school managements to provide experienced teachers, laboratory equipment, computers and school buses to government schools. "If you are unable to spend Rs 5-10 crore to construct buildings, that is fine. Send 10 teachers each with expertise from your schools to government schools and pay their salaries," he said, as quoted by PTI. The Chief Minister also said Karnataka generates approximately Rs 8,800 crore in annual CSR funds and that companies operating in the state should prioritise rural primary school development. He further highlighted ongoing CSR-funded projects in Bengaluru South district, where development work has started in 30 government schools. He also cited Toyota's assistance in constructing 23 schools in Ramanagara district, with investments ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 15 crore per school. Private institutions contributing to government school development will also be allowed to add their names to the institutions. As an example, Shivakumar referred to the Hegganur Government School near the Tamil Nadu border, which has been permitted to be renamed Hegganur Government Toyota School. Karnataka Government Seeks To Improve Rural Education The Chief Minister said improving educational facilities in rural areas could reduce migration to cities, particularly Bengaluru, as families often move in search of better schooling opportunities for their children. He also referred to the government's Rs 2,000 crore loan from the World Bank for infrastructure development in Karnataka Public Schools. Shivakumar acknowledged that government schools still needed improvements in educational quality despite teachers receiving salaries ranging from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh. He urged private school managements to consider the development of government institutions a shared responsibility and extend their resources and expertise to children in rural areas.