Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 16: Karnataka will soon roll out its own state-specific education policy, replacing the National Education Policy (NEP) introduced by the Centre. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said the new framework, based on recommendations of a commission led by Prof Sukhadeo Thorat, proposes a two-language model with Kannada or the mother tongue as the medium of instruction up to class 5.

Alongside the policy, the government will establish 500 Karnataka Public Schools this year at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore and upgrade colleges and polytechnics. Thirteen new technical institutions are also being set up to strengthen higher education.

The CM highlighted ongoing initiatives such as midday meals for 53 lac children, improved teacher recruitment, and skill development programmes. ‘My Career, My Choice’ vocational guidance has already benefited 35,000 students and will soon expand to 2.3 lac.

In addition, Government Tool Room and Training Centres and Multi Skill Development Centres are being upgraded, while initiatives like ‘Akka Cafes’ run by self-help groups—including one managed by the transgender community in Haveri—aim to promote inclusivity and women’s empowerment.