- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Fri, 15 Aug 2025 02:42 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka Education Policy: On the occasion of India's 79th Independence Day, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented a transformative vision for the youth of the state through a Karnataka-centric new education policy. In his address CM said that the government ongoing efforts to establish 13 new technical education institutes as well as upgrade first-grade colleges and polytechnic institutes.
"Earlier, the State Education Policy Commission, chaired by Prof Sukhadeo Thorat, submitted its report. For the first time, steps are being taken to frame a comprehensive, Karnataka-specific education policy which will lead to holistic development of our youngsters," Siddaramaiah said.
The commission submitted its report on August 8, fulfilling the Congress party's poll promise to replace the BJP-led Centre National Education Policy.
This year, the government is setting up 500 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore, aimed at improving access to quality education across the state.
School Infrastructure and Nutrition Upgrades:
"We are providing nutritious food to the 53 lakh children, ragi malt, milk, eggs or bananas on all school days and a hot mid-day meal. We have increased honoraria for guest teachers and midday meal staff, prioritised teacher recruitment, upgrading first-grade colleges and polytechnics at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore, and are establishing 13 new technical education institutions," CM said.
The government is also expanding vocational guidance programs under the 'My Career, My Choice' initiative. Currently, these programs reach 35,000 students in 150 government schools from grades 8 to 12, aiming for rapid expansion to benefit 2.3 lakh students.
Skill Development and Women Empowerment:
Karnataka is boosting and expanding Government Tool Room and Training Centres as well as Multi Skill Development Centres transforming them into centers of pride and career-building for youth. This focus aligns with the broader aim to empower students socially and economically, and prepare them for future employment opportunities.
Siddaramaiah said For social and economic empowerment of women, ‘Akka Cafes’ run by women self-help groups are being set up across the state. The initiative includes diverse communities, "In Haveri district, an Akka Cafe is being run by members of the transgender community," he added.
This comprehensive approach promises holistic development, improved educational access, robust infrastructure, and new career paths, showing Karnataka commitment to reshaping an inclusive and skilled future generation.