Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jul 2: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $182.89 million (Rs 174.24 crore) to help Karnataka strengthen its public school system, improve access to quality education and enhance learning outcomes for more than one million students across the state.
The funding will support the 'Strengthening Karnataka Public Schools Program', under which 500 integrated public school clusters will be developed, offering education from pre-primary to secondary levels.
The programme aims to improve teacher training, curriculum design, assessment systems, school governance and management, while strengthening science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education. It will also introduce industry-aligned skill development modules and life-skills education focusing on social inclusion and the protection of women and girls.
According to the ADB, only 48.3 per cent of students currently complete secondary education in Karnataka, while nearly 30 per cent of young people lack the skills required for higher education or employment.
"The programme will help Karnataka build future-ready public schools, especially in underserved areas that give students stronger foundations, better learning opportunities, and clearer pathways to jobs and higher education," ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka said.
The project will receive additional support through a $10 million grant and a $25 million guarantee from the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd), aimed at expanding access to quality education and skills development in lower-middle-income countries.
Last month, the ADB also signed a $10 million financing agreement with Schoolnet India Limited to expand digital learning infrastructure across 30,000 government schools, benefiting around 4.5 million students nationwide.
The Manila-headquartered lender has committed more than $5 billion in sovereign and non-sovereign financing for India in 2025 across sectors including education, clean energy, healthcare, urban infrastructure, transport and sustainable tourism. India currently accounts for nearly 18 per cent of ADB's total loan and grant portfolio.