NEWS – The Social Welfare Department has decided to provide free education to orphan children in residential schools.

HIGHLIGHTS

• This includes Morarji Desai Residential Schools, run by Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KRIES).
• The initiative will be implemented from the academic year 2025-26.

Government Order & Admission Process

• The order was issued on February 12, 2025.
• No entrance test required for orphans; they will be directly admitted to Class 6.
• Local authorities and KRIES are instructed to ensure admissions.

Background: Impact of COVID-19

• The decision follows the government’s move to provide free education to children orphaned due to COVID-19.
• Now, the initiative has been extended to all orphans across the State.
• Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa emphasized the importance of equal education opportunities for all children.

Preventing Exploitation of Orphans

• Orphaned children are often at risk of:
  • Begging and illegal activities.
  • Child labour and child marriages.
• Providing education in residential schools is seen as a protective and empowering measure.

Availability of Seats in Residential Schools

• Karnataka has 817 residential schools under the Social Welfare Department.
• Total Class 6 seats: 41,500.
• 50% of seats are filled through entrance tests by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).
• The remaining 50% seats are reserved for:
  • Children from special categories, such as manual scavengers’ and devadasis’ children.
  • Now includes orphaned children (without an entrance test).

Identification & Enrollment of Orphans

• KRIES has reached out to:
  • Gram Panchayats and urban local bodies.
  • Women and Child Development Department.
  • Labour Department.
• Their role is to identify orphan children at the grassroots level and facilitate their admission.