Karnataka: Panel recommends State to resume free bicycle scheme, stop guest faculty hiring

The Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission, headed by Deputy Chairman B.R. Patil, has recommended the State government to resume the free bicycle distribution programme for girl students in government high schools.

The commission has urged the government to discontinue the practice of hiring guest teachers and instead fill the sanctioned teaching vacancies.

The recommendation was made by the commission’s subcommittee on education and skill development, chaired by educationist V.P. Niranjanaradhya. The panel said reviving the bicycle scheme would strengthen secondary education and ensure that no girl in Karnataka is deprived of schooling due to lack of safe and affordable transportation.

Expressing concern over the current secondary school dropout rate of 22.9%, the subcommittee described the programme as a critical investment for both rural and urban areas. It noted that bicycle distribution had previously improved enrolment among girls up to class 8 and helped ensure their completion of class 10.

According to the report, multiple studies have shown that free bicycle schemes significantly improved secondary and higher secondary school enrolment in rural areas, reduced dropout rates, and boosted girls’ self-esteem and confidence.

The free bicycle programme was originally launched over a decade ago by the erstwhile BJP government led by B.S. Yediyurappa. Initially aimed at class 8 girl students, it was later expanded to include boys and students from government and aided schools. The scheme was last implemented in the 2019–20 academic year. Currently, the government provides free bus passes to rural students. However, in areas lacking adequate bus connectivity, the reintroduction of bicycles could provide essential last-mile access.

The commission has formed five subcommittees to examine programmes related to education, agriculture, women and child development, health and water supply, and the environment. On Thursday, B.R. Patil submitted a 210-page report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also serves as Chairman of the Commission. The panel has recommended that its proposals be incorporated into the 2026–27 State Budget. Minister for Planning, Programme Monitoring and Statistics D. Sudhakar and other members were present at the submission.

Stop hiring guest teachers

In addition to reviving the bicycle scheme, the panel recommended ending the practice of appointing guest teachers and filling all sanctioned vacancies in primary and high schools.

Extend RTE

The commission further suggested expanding the coverage of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which currently guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years, to include children aged 4 to 16 years.

Further recommendations include strengthening School Development and Monitoring Committees and setting up a high-powered committee to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

Highlighting emerging trends in technology and the economy, the panel stated that future graduates would need to be evaluated based on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It predicted a decline in traditional degree programmes and stressed that teacher recruitment should align with future-orientated disciplines. The report cautioned against filling vacancies in conventional courses without assessing long-term demand, warning that such moves could leave permanent teachers without adequate workloads.

The commission proposed forming an expert task force to evaluate future demand for graduate and postgraduate courses and the required faculty strength. It advised the government to delay lecturer recruitment for six months until the task force submits its findings.