Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 17: The Karnataka state education minister Madhu Bangarappa’s 'inability' to speak Kannada raises questions about the quality of education being provided to students, according to MLC S L Boje Gowda. Speaking after visiting Koragajja shrine following his election victory, Gowda emphasized the need to fill the 50% vacant teaching positions as a priority.
During a visit to the Koragajja shrine in Kuttaru, Gowda addressed the media. He had vowed to seek blessings from Koragajja before the elections, and after his victory, he returned to offer gratitude and begin his service.
IAS officers creating confusion in education sector
Gowda praised teachers for their role in his electoral success, attributing his unprecedented victory to their efforts. He pledged to address teachers' longstanding issues, which have persisted through several administrations. Gowda highlighted that the government's actions, particularly through IAS officers, have complicated matters, treating contractual staff unfairly and creating confusion.
He called for a clear distinction between the roles and respect for permanent (Sakyu-9ler) and contractual (Act) positions in education, urging IAS officers to refrain from overstepping their boundaries. Gowda noted that he had raised these issues multiple times in the legislative assembly and promised to continue advocating for teachers' rights.
Education should be accessible to all
Gowda stressed that education and healthcare are fundamental constitutional rights, meant to be provided without request. He lamented that education has become the privilege of the affluent, despite its role in driving societal progress and individual empowerment. He criticized the government for its failure to provide quality education infrastructure, such as adequate teacher staffing, proper sanitation, and sports facilities, before discussing educational policies like SEP and NEP.
Gowda condemned the education minister for admitting his inability to speak Kannada, calling it an embarrassment in a state that prides itself on its linguistic heritage. He questioned how the Chief Minister plans to promote Kannada as the administrative language while retaining a minister who does not speak it. Gowda highlighted the plight of rural students, especially girls, who face numerous challenges in accessing quality education.
Textbooks not available for PUC students
Despite the academic year commencing, first-year PUC students still lack textbooks, reflecting poorly on the government’s preparedness. Gowda criticized the differential treatment of government and aided schools and called for equal education for all students and uniform training for teachers. He stressed the importance of consulting education experts in curriculum development rather than allowing political interference.
During the event, Boje Gowda was felicitated by the Koragajja Seva Samiti Trust. Dakshina Kannada District Yuva Janata Dal president Ashwith Suvarna, Koragajja Seva Samiti trustee Deviprasad Shetty, former vice president of Dakshina Kannada Pre-University Principals' Association and principal of Kittel Memorial PU College Vithal Abura, and retired principal of Badria PU College Dr Ismail were present.