Minister defends decision to hold college union polls

Minister for Higher Education M.C. Sudhakar has defended the State government’s decision to hold elections to college student unions saying that they can groom young leaders.

“Several times in the past, young people who participated in such events have gone on to emerge as promising leaders. Many people who assumed leadership roles during college elections have later emerged as prominent national and State-level leaders,” he told reporters in Dharwad on Sunday.

“We believe that elections at the college level are necessary to nurture leadership in the country. However, such elections should not lead to confusion, violence or intimidation on campus. We will take the necessary steps to ensure this,” he said.

He was speaking after distributing certificates at an administrative training programme for newly selected principals held at the Karnataka State Higher Education Academy.

He said that the allegation by some BJP leaders that the State government is trying to appease minority communities is baseless and that the State Budget is based on the principles of equality and equal opportunities for all.

He also dismissed the allegations that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has increased the State’s debt burden.

“The BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has accumulated debts of over ₹218 lakh crore. It is the Union government that is pushing the country into a great financial crisis,” he claimed.

The Minister said that the government is considering incorporating subjects related to the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations in the academic curriculum so that students from Karnataka can have better opportunities in these exams.

“It is rare for students from Karnataka to be selected in competitive examinations conducted by the SSC. However, if competitive subjects are included directly in the curriculum, it will help students from the State clear these exams more easily,” he said.

“Kannada is indeed our mother tongue and we should all respect it and study it. However, in today’s competitive world, students must have a strong command over the English language to move ahead. College principals should encourage students to communicate in English within the college campus. This can help students gain confidence and succeed in life without hesitation. Preparing every student in this direction is the responsibility of principals,” he added.

The Minister said that the government faced several challenges in appointing new principals but it managed to overcome them without yielding to pressure.

“Those selected should not only be academically strong but must also possess administrative efficiency. They should maintain good relationships with every staff member in their colleges and work towards building a bright future for the students. Most students studying in government colleges come from economically and socially backward backgrounds and therefore, the responsibility of shaping their future is greater,’’ he said.

Higher Education Department Commissioner Manjushree N. said that the newly selected principals have been chosen with great expectations and given training. “They should utilise their training and upgrade their skills to provide quality teaching to students,” she said.

Additional Director of the Higher Education Department A.H.M. Vijayalakshmi presided over the programme. Certificates were distributed to some of the newly trained principals.

Karnatak University Vice-Chancellor A.M. Khan, academy staff and others were present.