From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 22: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai advocated complete overhaul of the entire education system and asked the universities to take the lead in reforming the education system.

Addressing a function after laying the foundation stone for Rani Chennamma University building complex at a new site at Hirebagevadi in Belagavi district on Wednesday, he said a practical based education system is needed to meet challenges of rapid change in the present era.

There is a huge difference between the syllabus being taught and the practical needs of the world.

The New Education Policy (NEP) is being implemented to bridge this gap. Present generation of students need the power of knowledge to face the challenges with confidence and courage, he said pointing out that NEP would empower them with necessary knowledge.

Take University to international level

Kitturu Rani Chennamma fought against the British with great courage and confidence, the Chief Minister said adding: She has made history as the first woman freedom fighter. Sangolli Rayanna has played a big role in repulsing the British.

“Rani Chennamma is the inspiration for this university. Everyone associated with this university should show the commitment to take this university to international level,’’ Bommai said.

Universities should not become mere centers of awarding degrees. They should foster innovation, experimentation and develop into centers for finding solutions for problems being faced by society. They should keep pace with technological and social changes happening in the world, he said.

Scope for logical thinking

Bommai wanted the universities to inculcate logical and lateral thinking, create a conducive ecosystem for learning. The academics in the university should not confine themselves to their campuses. The Vice Chancellors should lead from the front and guide the institution. He assured all the help from the state government to enable Rani Chennamma University to bring changes in the education system.

The Chief Minister said the State Government would complete the works of providing a beautiful environment, roads and other infrastructure with modern buildings within a year.

Every room in the building should be digitalised. It should be a global link of knowledge. This is the knowledge century. Those with knowledge would rule the world, he said and suggested review of all the PhDs awarded and research conducted in the last 10 years in the university to examine their authenticity and utility.

6 Govt Universities to Universities of Eminence Status

Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwathnarayan, in his speech, said the State Government was taking steps for improvement of 6 select government run universities to the status of 'Universities of Eminence'.

The Rani Chennamma University will benefit students of Belagavi, Bagalkot and Chikkodi districts in providing quality education and exhorted the students to emulate the example of Rani Chennamma to take up leadership role and serve society.

The State Government has already taken steps for complete revamp of the education system and has converted 2500 classrooms into smart classrooms and 6,000 classes will also be upgraded as smart classes to enable the students to derive the benefits of modern technology and digital revolution.

The minister said 7 government engineering colleges will be developed to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) levels and mentioned that a plan of action has already been chalked out.

Minister Shashikala Jolle, Legislative Council Government Chief Whip Mahantesh Kavatagimath, Arun Shahapur, MLC, Vice Chancellor Ramachandra Gowda and others participated.

Kodava delegation meets CM

Later, a delegation of Kodava community leaders comprising former speaker K G Bopaiah, Appacchu Ranjan, Veena Acchaiah and others called on Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in his office in Belagavi Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

The delegation discussed the problems pertaining to the Kodava community with the Chief Minister.

Bommai later held discussions with a delegation of industrialists of Belagavi district. Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh R Nirani, Ministers Byarathi Basavarj, MLAs Shivaram Hebbar and Abhay Patil were present.