Bengaluru: In an interesting development, the state Department of Public Instruction has issued a closure notice to eight Kannada medium schools in city, in spite of an assurance given by none other than the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, just 48 hours ago.

Less than 25 students norm was followed by the department.

“It is mandatory to have a minimum of 25 students in each section. But for the last three years these schools have not maintained the strength. Considering this lapse we have issued closure notice,” said an official source from the department.

Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said orders have been issued against closing Kannada schools on the pretext of low student strength.

“Even if a Kannada school has a single student, it should run,” he had said.

According to Department officials, the notice was issued under the provisions of the Karnataka Education Act 1983.

However, this process was going on for the past few months and the notices were issued to managements of the schools a month ago.

Condemning this act by the department, Dr VP Niranjanaradhya, educationist, said, “As the Chief Minister himself assured that he will protect Kannada schools, now he has to take action against the concerned department officials.”