Former Karnataka CM Bommai stresses the need for quality education to sustain government schools.
Developing Century-Old Government Schools: MP Basavaraj Bommai Urges Special Programs & Grants
BNH NETWORK
Haveri (Byadagi) - Former Karnataka Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai has called on the state government to develop special programs and allocate grants for government schools that have completed 100 years. Speaking at the centenary celebration of the Government Model Higher Primary School in Keravadi village, Byadagi taluk, Haveri district, Bommai emphasized that quality education is key to the survival of government schools.
"Government schools will survive only if quality education is provided," he said, urging authorities to take urgent steps to upgrade such institutions into model Pre-University Colleges (PUCs).
₹10 Lakh Donation to Support Educational Growth
Bommai pledged ₹10 lakh from his MP fund to aid the transition of the century-old school into a high school and eventually a model PUC. Stressing the importance of education in shaping young minds, he encouraged students to pursue higher studies and build a successful future.
"Education transforms individuals and drives societal progress. A milestone like completing 100 years should be celebrated with a meaningful initiative," he added.
The MP shared an inspiring story about a young scholar whose true education began only after learning humility and perseverance. He urged students to adopt the same mindset, striving for both knowledge and wisdom.
Viveka Scheme: Reviving Government Schools
Bommai criticized the reduction in budgetary allocation for education, stating that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he had introduced the Viveka Scheme to improve infrastructure in government schools. Karnataka, he noted, faces a shortage of 30,000 classrooms, and his government had planned to build 9,000 annually, completing 4,500 in 2022-23.
"Quality education is the only way to save Kannada-medium schools. Without it, parents will continue shifting children to private institutions," he cautioned.
Fact File:
- ₹10 lakh pledged by MP Bommai for school upgradation
- 30,000 classrooms needed in Karnataka schools
- Viveka Scheme aimed at building 9,000 classrooms annually
- Education budget allocation reduced from 14% to 11%
- 150 school buildings constructed in Bommai’s district during his tenure
Call for Teacher Recruitment & Infrastructure Development
Bommai stressed the need for more teacher recruitment and school infrastructure development, highlighting that education was allocated 14% of the budget under the BJP government, which has now been reduced to 11%.
He emphasized that teachers play a pivotal role in shaping future generations, urging them to see themselves as mentors, not just government employees. He stated that while a doctor’s skill can be assessed in a week, a teacher’s impact is seen only after 20-25 years through the achievements of their students.
Leaders in Attendance
The event was graced by Minister Madhu Bangarappa, MLAs Basavaraj Shivannanavar, former MLA Veerupakshappa Ballari, S.R. Patil, HESCOM Chairman Syed Ajjampir Khadri, SDMC President Hemappa Byadagi, Byadagi Taluk BJP President Shivayogi Shirur, school teachers, alumni, and students.
