Strong political will essential for Karnataka government to survive: VN Rajashekhar
As a responsible government it is important that the authorities continue to take a pro-citizen stance, ensuring their policies and decisions are most beneficial to the population. With respect to the education sector, we have been observing over time that a number of issues concerning those in power have pushed the student community into a murky situation.
On the issue of languages taught in government schools and their medium of instruction in the state, implementing a two-language formula could provide a comprehensive solution. This has been recommended multiple times at various levels to the education department as well. While retaining the mother tongue (Kannada in Karnataka) as the medium of instruction, it is equally important to have English taught efficiently and compulsorily across schools from grade one as it is a link language within and outside India and also a window to world knowledge.
The indirect decision to close down over 20,000 government schools in the state is disastrous. Instead, the government should have been focused on strengthening the system by opening more schools. It is saddening to see all governments over the last few decades discouraging the government school sector by cutting the financial aid provided to it for infrastructure, appointing teachers and much more. This has contributed to more private players with a commercial mindset flourishing in the sector, making the situation worse for the common man.
Free bus passes for all students in the state has been demanded for years to take away their extra financial burdens while pursuing education, and also to remove socio-economic disparities among them. It was after vigorous protests and pleas that the previous government finally approved the bus passes with the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allocating Rs 836 crore towards the scheme. This, however, has been discontinued by the new government although it claims to be continuing all policy decisions of the last. While the Kumaraswamy government is keen to waive off farmer loans, it seems bent upon adding to their expenses by letting their children pay for travelling to their schools and colleges. The calculations presented by the new transport minister and department are bogus and unscientific as the average amount considered is Rs 60 per student per day. Built on the taxpayers' money, the department should instead stay strong in its commitment to the public.
Considering that a whopping Rs 13,000 crore remained unspent in the sector during 2016-17 , it is possible to channelise a good amount to providing free education for girls till their post graduation. In short, the government should stay strong to the promises made instead of claiming roadblocks at the implementation phase. Only if it shows strong political will, can it come close to calling itself a democratic institution.
