From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 23: Karnataka will come out with its new Research and Development as well as Digitization Policy soon, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced in Bengaluru on Monday.

In his address during the launch of National Educational Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and inauguration of admission process for higher education for the year 2021-22, he said the new policy initiatives are aimed at ensuring a synergy between the Research and Development (R&D) institutes in the State, Educational Institutions and the Industry to encourage research and development in higher education.

The Chief Minister said the new NEP 2020 gives thrust to Research and Development while boosting Unified University and College Management System.

“There is no better place than Karnataka in R&D sector and there are more than 180 internationally acclaimed R&D centers in the State. Envisaging synergy between educational institutions and these R&D centers and the industry, Government will evolve R & D Policy,’’ he explained.

Bommai described this day as liberation day in view of the reopening of physical classes in almost all districts for schools and colleges and said the students are liberated from COVID.

With the launch of NEP 2020, the students are also liberated from the stagnant educational system and policy, he said.

Explaining the special features of NEP, he said this policy gives confidence and creates opportunity for students to explore their talents in various fields.

He also said that he is very well aware of the challenges ahead in implementing the NEP, but expressed full confidence of successfully implementing the policy in the State.

Digitisation plays a crucial role in education today apart from business and governance. Therefore Government will bring out Digitisation Policy to enhance network connectivity in each village.

The world has transcended from knowledge to science, science to technology and technology to digital technology, in that order and those who make of digitalization will be successful.

Under the new digitization policy, broadband network connectivity will be facilitated to all the villages of the state to facilitate successful implementation of NEP, he said and announced that Tablet PCs will be given this year also for those joining first year degree courses.

Regarding Primary and Secondary Education, implementation of NEP would be launched in Kalaburagi after setting up Primary and Secondary Education Council shortly, the Chief Minister said.

Union Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan, who participated in the programme from Delhi in the virtual mode, congratulated Karnataka for being the first State to launch NEP 2020 in the country.

Pradhan said NEP should bring accessibility, equity and quality in the education system.

Higher Education Minisiter Dr C N Ashwathnarayan said the NEP is a step to set right the shortcomings in the education system and it has brought in convergence of education and skill and quality in the new education system.

He called upon all the teachers and Vice Chancellors of Universities to dedicate themselves for the successful implementation of NEP in the State.

Primary and Secondary education Minister B C Nagesh assured that the Government will implement the recommendations of the task force for implementation of NEP appropriately in Primary and Secondary education.

Dr Kasturirangan, Chairman of the Committee that formulated NEP, advised to minimise the challenges with guidance from experts and implement NEP in the State.

Vice President of Karnataka Higher Education Council Prof Thimmegowda and other dignitaries were present.

Society for supply of Cancer drugs at Discounted Rates

The Chief Minister, who later participated in the dedication of Infosys Foundation built Out-Patient Block and other facilities at the Kidwai Institute of Oncology, indicated that the State Government was considering establishing a society for supply of all Cancer related drugs at discounted rates to benefit the people.

Bommai also promised to take steps for utilizing CSR and government funds through the society to provide necessary facilities for the family members of the cancer patients along with taking steps for new research in the treatment of cancer cases.

The Chief Minister warmly lauded the services and contribution of Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murthy and recalled that his own mother had suffered from cancer.

Pointing out that Kalaburgi, Shivamogga and Mysuru already had cancer treatment centres, the Chief Minister promised to establish similar centres in Hubballi and Dharwad too.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar, Kidwai Institute Director Dr C Ramachandra and others participated in the function.