{"id":5345,"date":"2025-08-21T16:11:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T10:41:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=5345"},"modified":"2025-08-21T16:11:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T10:41:14","slug":"50-lakh-signatures-and-a-sea-of-students-demand-karnataka-u-turn-on-school-closures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=5345","title":{"rendered":"50 Lakh Signatures and a Sea of Students Demand Karnataka U-Turn on School Closures"},"content":{"rendered":"
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“A Conspiracy to Shirk Responsibility”: Students Submit 50 Lakh Signatures Against School Closures in Karnataka\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Bengaluru <\/b>\u2013 In an unprecedented display of youth activism, the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) on Thursday delivered a powerful rebuke to the Karnataka government, submitting a mammoth petition of 50 lakh signatures demanding a halt to the proposed closure of 6,200 state-run schools. The culmination of a six-month statewide campaign at Freedom Park saw thousands of students, activists, and academics unite to decry the systematic neglect of public education, framing the government\u2019s consolidation policy as an assault on the rights of the poor.<\/p>\n

The event, inaugurated by retired Supreme Court Justice and former Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde, transcended a mere protest. It served as a stark audit of the crumbling infrastructure, chronic teacher shortages, and a deepening crisis in Karnataka\u2019s education system. Yet, it also morphed into a cautious victory lap. Leaders announced that sustained pressure from their movement had forced Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa to declare in the legislative assembly that no schools would be shut down. However, the mood was one of vigilant determination rather than celebration, with speakers vowing to continue their agitation until the verbal assurance is formalized in policy.<\/p>\n

A Conspiracy Against the Poor: Academics Decry Policy Shift<\/strong><\/p>\n

The intellectual heft of the movement was underscored by scathing critiques from eminent academics. Prof. A. Murigeppa, former Vice-Chancellor of Hampi Kannada University, launched a direct attack on the government\u2019s intent. \u201cThe government is favoring private schools and offloading its burden by closing government schools. This is ruining the future of children from poor families. This is a conspiracy by the government to shirk its responsibility,\u201d he stated, voicing a sentiment that resonated through the crowd.<\/p>\n

He dismantled the government\u2019s primary justification\u2014low enrollment\u2014arguing that it creates a vicious cycle. \u201cIf government schools are closed on the pretext of low enrollment, it will be impossible for the children of ordinary people\u2014who struggle to even afford one meal a day\u2014to attend private schools,\u201d he said, highlighting the socio-economic barrier. He redefined the government\u2019s duty, insisting it must not close schools but instead resolve the core issues of teacher vacancies and infrastructure decay to naturally boost enrollment.<\/p>\n

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“\u0c9c\u0cb5\u0cbe\u0cac\u0ccd\u0ca6\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0cbf \u0ca4\u0caa\u0ccd\u0caa\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cbf\u0c95\u0cca\u0cb3\u0ccd\u0cb3\u0cb2\u0cc1 \u0cb8\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0c95\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ca6 \u0cb7\u0ca1\u0ccd\u0caf\u0c82\u0ca4\u0ccd\u0cb0”: \u0cb6\u0cbe\u0cb2\u0cc6\u0c97\u0cb3\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0cae\u0cc1\u0c9a\u0ccd\u0c9a\u0cc1\u0cb5\u0cc1\u0ca6\u0cb0 \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0cc1\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0ca7 \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0ca5\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cb3\u0cc1 50 \u0cb2\u0c95\u0ccd\u0cb7 \u0cb8\u0cb9\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cb3\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0cb8\u0cae\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0caa\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cbf\u0ca6\u0cb0\u0cc1.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sabotage and Solidarity: Students Overcome Hurdles<\/strong><\/p>\n

The path to Freedom Park was fraught with obstacles, as detailed by AIDSO\u2019s State Secretary, Ajay Kamath. He alleged active efforts by authorities to suppress the protest, claiming, \u201cIn many places, teachers were used to prevent students from coming to the event. Sudden tests were conducted in many schools and colleges, and parents were intimidated to prevent them from sending their children.\u201d He framed the students\u2019 successful mobilization as an act of defiance, proclaiming that those who reached the venue \u201covercame all these obstacles… proving they are the true followers of Netaji and Bhagat Singh.\u201d<\/p>\n

This narrative of resistance was woven into a broader historical tapestry. Kamath invoked the legacy of Indian educational reformers like Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, stating their vision was the \u201cinspiration and strength of this movement.\u201d He called for a continued struggle to strengthen government schools as the \u201ctrue tribute to these great personalities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Contact For Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] |\u00a0indianowme@gmail.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

From Grassroots Grievances to a National Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rally was not just about policy; it was about people. Personal testimonies gave a human face to the statistical crisis. Vikram, a 9th-standard student from Yadgir, shared a ground-level perspective of neglect. \u201cWe have come here to save government schools… The government schools have been neglected,\u201d he said. His concerns were elemental: \u201cThere are inadequate bathroom facilities… Children have to go outside for certain activities, which causes concern among parents about their safety.\u201d These concerns were validated by AIDSO\u2019s Gangaraju, who pointed to a systemic failure: \u201cThere are around 61 thousand vacancies of teachers which need to be filled by the Government.\u201d<\/p>\n

The movement\u2019s resonance extended beyond Karnataka\u2019s borders. Sebastian, AIDSO Tamil Nadu State President, congratulated the Karnataka unit, declaring their fight \u201ca model for the country.\u201d He expressed anger that governments are \u201cspreading unscientific thoughts that hinder scientific thinking in education and suppress the questioning mindset of students,\u201d framing the school closure issue as part of a larger battle against \u201cignorance.\u201d<\/p>\n

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“\u0ca8\u0cae\u0ccd\u0cae \u0cb6\u0cbe\u0cb2\u0cc6\u0c97\u0cb3\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0c89\u0cb3\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cb2\u0cc1 \u0ca8\u0cbe\u0cb5\u0cc1 \u0c87\u0cb2\u0ccd\u0cb2\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cc6 \u0cac\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0ca6\u0cc7\u0cb5\u0cc6”: \u0ca8\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0cb2\u0c95\u0ccd\u0cb7\u0ccd\u0caf\u0ca6 \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0cc1\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0ca7 \u0caa\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0ca4\u0cbf\u0cad\u0c9f\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cb2\u0cc1 \u0ca4\u0ca1\u0cc6\u0c97\u0cb3\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0ca6\u0cbe\u0c9f\u0cbf\u0ca6 \u0c95\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cbe\u0c9f\u0c95 \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0ca5\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cb3\u0cc1.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Cautious Victory and the Road Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n

The political impact of the campaign was undeniable. AIDSO Central Council Secretary Shibasish Praharaj placed the Karnataka struggle in a national context, noting that all governments have been \u201ccommercializing education.\u201d He hailed the education minister\u2019s statement as a \u201cvictory for the students’ struggle in the state,\u201d but swiftly cautioned against complacency, noting that thousands of institutions nationwide still suffer from a lack of infrastructure and teachers.<\/p>\n

Echoing this vigilant stance, State President Ashwini K.S. called the signature campaign \u201chistoric\u201d but issued a clear warning: \u201cDo not abandon the struggle by trusting this assurance.\u201d She demanded the official withdrawal of the government order facilitating mergers under the \u2018Hub and Spoke\u2019 model, signaling that the movement\u2019s demands are specific and non-negotiable.<\/p>\n

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“\u0c87\u0ca6\u0cc1 \u0cb9\u0ccb\u0cb0\u0cbe\u0c9f\u0ca6 \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0c9c\u0caf”: \u0cae\u0c82\u0ca4\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0cbf\u0caf \u0ca4\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0cc1\u0cae\u0cc1\u0c96\u0ca6 \u0ca8\u0ca1\u0cc1\u0cb5\u0cc6, \u0cb6\u0cbf\u0c95\u0ccd\u0cb7\u0ca3\u0c95\u0ccd\u0c95\u0cbe\u0c97\u0cbf \u0cb9\u0ccb\u0cb0\u0cbe\u0c9f\u0cb5\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0cae\u0cc1\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cc1\u0cb5\u0cb0\u0cc6\u0cb8\u0cb2\u0cc1 \u0c95\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0caf\u0c95\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0ca4\u0cb0 \u0caa\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0ca4\u0cbf\u0c9c\u0ccd\u0c9e\u0cc6.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The formal act of submission saw Smt. Anita Nazare, Director of the Primary Education Department, accept the 50 lakh signatures and a detailed memorandum on behalf of the government. This physical handover symbolized a citizen\u2019s audit being officially received by the state.<\/p>\n

The mammoth gathering at Freedom Park, supported by messages from figures like writer Prof. Dr. Baraguru Ramachandrappa and actor Kishore, sent an unequivocal message. The students of Karnataka have not only forced a political concession but have also shifted the narrative. The question is no longer about how to close schools, but how to save, fund, and strengthen them. The ball is now in the government\u2019s court to translate this massive public mandate into concrete, transformative action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Quotes from AIDSO Leadership and Dignitaries<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Prof. A. Murigeppa, Former Vice-Chancellor of Hampi Kannada University<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    “The government is favoring private schools and offloading its burden by closing government schools. This is ruining the future of children from poor families.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    “This is a conspiracy by the government to shirk its responsibility.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    “The only student organization in the state that has built a strong movement against this, by collecting 50 lakh signatures, is AIDSO.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    “If government schools are closed on the pretext of low enrollment, it will be impossible for the children of ordinary people\u2014who struggle to even afford one meal a day\u2014to attend private schools.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    “[The] government’s primary duty should be to resolve the lack of teachers and basic infrastructure that government schools face and thereby increase enrollment.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Ajay Kamath, AIDSO State Secretary<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      “In many places, teachers were used to prevent students from coming to the event. Sudden tests were conducted in many schools and colleges, and parents were intimidated to prevent them from sending their children to Freedom Park.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      “Students overcame all these obstacles to rush to this protest, proving they are the true followers of Netaji and Bhagat Singh.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      “The thoughts of Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Kudmul Rangaraya, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar\u2014who strived for every child in this country to receive an education\u2014are the inspiration and strength of this movement.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Ashwini K.S., AIDSO State President<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      • \n

        “The 50 lakh people who gave their signatures have supported the students and sent them to the event.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        She called the students’ work to save government schools “historic.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        “Due to the pressure of the movement built by AIDSO across the state, Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has stated in the assembly that no schools will be closed.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        “Do not abandon the struggle by trusting this assurance.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        She demanded that the government “officially withdraw the order to merge schools under the name of ‘Hub and Spoke.'”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Shibasish Praharaj, AIDSO Central Council Secretary<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          “All central and state governments since independence have been commercializing education.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          “AIDSO is fighting against these anti-people policies of the governments across the country.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          “As a result of the struggle… the Education Minister of Karnataka has today stated that not a single government school will be closed. This is a victory for the students’ struggle in the state.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          “Even today, thousands of government educational institutions in Karnataka and across the country are suffering from a lack of basic infrastructure and teachers.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Sebastian, AIDSO Tamil Nadu State President<\/strong><\/p>\n

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          • \n

            Expressed anger that “governments, through their policies, are spreading unscientific thoughts that hinder scientific thinking in education and suppress the questioning mindset of students.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            “Their struggle against the conspiracy to close schools and push civilization into ignorance is a model for the country.”<\/p>\n

            \"\"
            “We Have Come to Save Our Schools”: Karnataka Students Overcome Hurdles to Protest Neglect.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Quotes from Student Activists<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

            Gangaraju, AIDSO State Secretary<\/strong><\/p>\n

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            • \n

              “There are around 61 thousand vacancies of teachers which need to be filled by the Government.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Vikram, 9th Standard Student from Yadgir<\/strong><\/p>\n

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              • \n

                “We have come here to save government schools… The government schools have been neglected.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                “There are inadequate bathroom facilities… Children have to go outside for certain activities, which causes concern among parents about their safety.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Prakruti, Student Activist<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                • \n

                  “The movement calls for a scientific, secular, and democratic education system for all.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Tulsi, Student Activist<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                  • \n

                    “The government plans to shut down 6200 schools due to low student numbers. Instead of closing them, they must improve facilities.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Hanumesh, AIDSO Activist<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                    • \n

                      “After the announcement of the agitation by AIDSO at Freedom Park, the department issued an order imposing a ban on student participation in external events. This is highly condemnable.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                      10 Key Q&As: The Fight to Save Karnataka’s Government Schools<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

                      1. Q: What was the primary goal of the AIDSO protest in Bengaluru?<\/strong>
                      \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0The primary goal was to forcefully demand that the Karnataka state government abandon its proposal to close approximately 6,200 government schools and instead commit to strengthening the public education system by addressing critical issues like teacher vacancies and crumbling infrastructure.<\/p>\n

                      2. Q: How did the protesters demonstrate public support for their cause?<\/strong>
                      \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0They demonstrated massive public support by collecting and submitting a petition containing a staggering\u00a050 lakh (5 million) signatures<\/strong>\u00a0from citizens across the state, gathered over a six-month-long campaign.<\/p>\n

                      3. Q: What is the government’s main justification for closing schools, and how do critics counter it?<\/strong>
                      \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0The government cites\u00a0low student enrollment<\/strong>\u00a0as the main reason for consolidation. Critics, like Prof. A. Murigeppa, counter that closing schools is a “conspiracy to shirk responsibility” and that the government’s duty is to\u00a0improve<\/em>\u00a0these schools\u2014by hiring teachers and upgrading facilities\u2014to naturally attract more students, rather than punishing them for its own failure to invest.<\/p>\n

                      4. Q: What are the most critical infrastructure problems highlighted by the students?<\/strong>
                      \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0Students cited a range of severe problems, including:<\/p>\n

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                      • \n

                        Inadequate bathroom facilities,<\/strong>\u00a0forcing children to go outside.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      • \n

                        A lack of basic necessities like\u00a0consistent water and electricity.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      • \n

                        Structurally unsafe buildings,<\/strong>\u00a0evidenced by a recent school collapse in Ballari that injured students.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        5. Q: How significant is the teacher shortage in Karnataka’s government schools?<\/strong>
                        \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0The shortage is catastrophic. According to AIDSO State Secretary Gangaraju, there are approximately\u00a061,000 vacant teaching positions<\/strong>\u00a0that the government has failed to fill, severely compromising the quality of education.<\/p>\n

                        6. Q: Was the protest met with any opposition from authorities?<\/strong>
                        \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0Yes. AIDSO leaders alleged active sabotage. State Secretary Ajay Kamath claimed that in many areas, authorities used tactics like\u00a0suddenly scheduling exams, intimidating parents, and instructing teachers to prevent students<\/strong>\u00a0from attending the protest to suppress participation.<\/p>\n

                        7. Q: Did the protest yield any immediate results or concessions from the government?<\/strong>
                        \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0Yes. Due to the immense pressure from the movement,\u00a0Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated in the legislative assembly that no schools would be closed.<\/strong>\u00a0Protest leaders hailed this as a victory for their struggle but warned it was only a first step.<\/p>\n

                        8. Q: Why are protesters not fully trusting the government’s assurance to stop school closures?<\/strong>
                        \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0Leaders like State President Ashwini K.S. are wary of mere verbal promises. They demand the government\u00a0officially and formally withdraw the administrative order<\/strong>\u00a0(often referred to as the ‘Hub and Spoke’ model) that enables the merger and closure of schools, ensuring the policy is dead, not just the announcement of it.<\/p>\n

                        9. Q: What broader vision for education does AIDSO advocate for beyond stopping closures?<\/strong>
                        \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0Beyond immediate demands, AIDSO calls for a broader restructuring of education to be\u00a0scientific, secular, and democratic.<\/strong>\u00a0They oppose the commercialization and privatization of education, arguing it is an anti-people policy that excludes the poor and suppresses critical thinking.<\/p>\n

                        10. Q: What was the final official action taken at the protest?<\/strong>
                        \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0Smt. Anita Nazare, the Director of the Primary Education Department,\u00a0accepted the 50 lakh signatures on behalf of the government.<\/strong> A formal memorandum detailing the demands\u2014to fill teacher vacancies, upgrade infrastructure, and officially scrap the closure policy\u2014was submitted to her.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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                        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        “A Conspiracy to Shirk Responsibility”: Students Submit 50 Lakh Signatures Against School Closures in Karnataka\u00a0 Bengaluru \u2013 In an unprecedented display of youth activism, the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) on Thursday delivered a powerful rebuke to the Karnataka government, submitting a mammoth petition of 50 lakh signatures demanding a halt to the proposed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5346,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,62,66],"tags":[113,283,1243],"class_list":["post-5345","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bengaluru","category-education","category-karnataka","tag-aidso","tag-government","tag-students-protest"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5345"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5345\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5351,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5345\/revisions\/5351"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}