Last Updated:August 12, 2026, 10:50 IST

The association has left the final decision on declaring a holiday to individual school managements, in view of the Karnataka govt’s latest direction on Cauvery water release.

Schools have been asked to consider local conditions, safety and other practical factors before taking a decision. (File/Representative Image)

Schools across Karnataka are likely to remain open on Thursday, August 13, after the Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) withdrew its earlier call for a school closure over the Cauvery water dispute.

KAMS had initially supported a bandh called by Kannada organisations protesting Karnataka’s release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. However, the association has now decided against a closure, citing concerns over disruption to academic schedules, particularly in government-aided schools facing an acute shortage of teachers, reported Times of India.

The organisation said schools would continue to extend moral and peaceful support to the bandh. School managements, teaching and non-teaching staff have been advised to wear black ribbons or black strips as a symbolic gesture, without affecting regular classes.

However, the association has left the final decision on declaring a holiday to individual school managements, especially in view of the Karnataka government’s latest direction on Cauvery water release. Schools have been asked to consider local conditions, safety and other practical factors before taking a decision.

School Asked To Create Awareness Among Students

KAMS also suggested that schools use the day to educate students about the Cauvery dispute instead of involving them in protests. Discussions may cover the history of the dispute, Karnataka’s dependence on the Cauvery for drinking water and agriculture, water scarcity, court decisions, constitutional processes and peaceful democratic expression. Students could also be encouraged to learn about water conservation and sustainable management.

KAMS secretary D Shashi Kumar said students could express their views through posters or letters seeking a fair distribution of Cauvery water based on rainfall, drought and water availability. The association stressed that such activities must remain peaceful, balanced, educational and non-political.

Meanwhile, several Kannada organisations are preparing for the proposed August 13 bandh. The Federation of Kannada Organisations has called a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, August 12, to discuss arrangements for the statewide protest.

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