From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Dec 18: A 19-member delegation led by Karnataka’s Kannada Development Authority Chairman Mukhyamantri Chandru has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding a series of policy initiatives from the Centre, including framing of a national policy on river water utilization and resolution of inter-state river water disputes.
The BJP leader, who is also an MLC, urged the Prime Minister to frame a national education policy, national policies to tackle employment, educational and job problems.
Speaking to reporters in Bangalore after his return from Delhi, Chandru argued that an effective national policy was needed to address the “challenges” faced by various states on the crucial issues relating to education, employment and river water utilisation.
He stressed the need for framing a national policy with stress on imparting primary education in mother tongue/regional language.
It was also necessary to maintain uniformity in education.
The KDA favoured making mother tongue the medium of instruction for students from Class I to V, he said suggesting that English can be taught as a language.
The Centre should take a lead in formulating a policy on the lines of the stand taken by the Supreme Court regarding imparting education mother tongue, the memorandum said.
With regard national employment policy, the KDA chief said the policy to be framed with due importance given to local people in all employment opportunities.
A national policy on river water utilization and resolution of inter-state disputes in a time-bound manner needed immediate attention to address the issues amicably, Chandru said.
Noting that Karnataka’s water disputes with regard to Hogenakal water supply project, Kalasa-Banduri nala diversion project, Cauvery and Krishna water disputes, the KDA memorandum said “whenever there were tribunals for water disputes, Karnataka suffered a lot.”
The delegation of litterateurs, education experts and others met the Union Ministers and Secretaries of various Departments concerned in New Delhi and urged them to take necessary steps in the regard.