Bengaluru, Sep 6 (DHNS): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that teachers should become role models to their students and shape them into good citizens. But it is very unfortunate that children are being sexually assaulted by the guru himself.

Recalling his student days, on the occasion of Teachers Day celebrations organised by the State Government here on Saturday, Siddaramaiah said that one of his teachers would give him and his friend money to buy cigarettes and they developed the habit of smoking beedi at an young age thinking that if a teacher smokes it is completely fine for even the students to smoke. Good practises and behaviour among teachers will definitely have good influence on the students as well, he said.

The chief minister said that many students pursuing their education at government schools are poor in English and Mathematics. He blamed the teachers for it and said that they need to focus on these aspects seriously. “Parents have this notion that if their child is given good education in private schools, where the English language skills of the students are honed, then they will have better career opportunities in future. Many teachers in private school do not even have a degree in BEd or a teachers’ training certificate, but still manage to teach children in English,” he added.

Siddaramaiah said that nearly Rs 16,000 crore has been set aside for Education department. Of which, Rs 12,000 crores is going towards teachers’ salary. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Dr C N R Rao have all studied in government schools and have scaled heights in their chosen fields. Government school teachers must ensure that the children from the underprivileged sections of the society are given quality education in government schools, the chief minister said.

As many as 41 teachers from the government primary and high schools across the State were felicitated on the occasion. Ten lecturers, including principals of some government PU colleges, were also honoured.