Vijayapura: Claiming that the Government has only tried to rectify the mistakes done in the past in the textbooks of the Government schools, Higher Education Minister Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan has however asserted that the Government is open to suggestions on making any corrections in the textbooks.
Addressing mediapersons on Friday June 3 while campaigning for the coming MLC elections, he said that the Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai has already sought a report on the controversy erupted over the textbooks lessons. “The Government has kept its doors open for any advice and suggestions. The CM is ready to hear the grievances to address them honestly. It is in this regard that the CM has sought the detailed report before taking any action,” he said.
He, however, accused the Opposition of playing politics and making baseless allegations.
It may be noted here that the BJP Government is facing criticism from various quarters for trying to implement the agenda of the RSS to saffronise the education system. They are demanding the withdrawal of the changes made in the textbooks and removal of Rohit Chakratirtha, the Chairman of the Textbook Revision Committee.
On the controversy that has surfaced over the reports of the Government planning to convert Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University into a general university, the Minister refused to give direct reply.
He said that since the Election Commission has imposed a code of conduct, he cannot give any direct reply on the matter. “But I will say one thing that the Government will take decisions only after eliciting public opinion. Whatever will be the public view, that will be followed,” he said. On the occasion, he said that the Government has already granted six new universities and approval has been given to seven more universities for improving the higher education sector.
“Besides this, any private institution that meets the required stipulations, can apply to become deemed university”, he said.
With regard to elections, he appealed to the voters to ensure the victory of two candidates of the BJP of this region, Arun Shahapur of Teachers’ Constituency and Hanumanth Nirani for Graduates’ Constituency.
MLA Somanagouda Patil Sasnuru, Former MLA Appu Pattanshetty, Vijugouda Patil, Shivarudra Bagalkot, Vivekanand Dabbi, Vijay Joshi and other party leaders were present.
