Schools merger: CM clarifies

BANGALORE: Chief  Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said that the state government will consult respective villagers before taking a final decision on the amalgamation of schools, which have a student enrolment of below five.Speaking after presenting the Rajyotsava award to 50 achievers from different walks of life, Gowda said that his government was committed to the cause of Kannada and Kannadigas, and would not take any hasty decision on closing down Kannada schools that have less than five students. “We have entrusted the task of identifying schools with less than five students to zilla panchayats. We are now thinking of entrusting this responsibility to taluk panchayats. We will also consult the villagers before taking any final decision on the issue,” he added.Earlier, at a Rajyotsava programme organised by the Department of Public Instruction here, the Chief Minister said, “Our intention is not to shut down any schools. We are only following rules whereby students in state schools with a strength less than 20 (and 5) should be shifted to nearby schools. Education is our priority and we are doing everything to improve the quality of education.”“Inclusive education is our priority. Programmes and schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, school nurturing and mid-day meals are not mere attempts to increase enrolments. We want our children to be healthy and receive quality education across the state,” he said. He added that with Rs 1,005.73 crore being allotted to state education, it currently makes up 11.29% of the state budget. The Rajyotsava celebrations, presided over by Primary and Secondary Minister Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri, showcased the talent of nearly 1,500 students who participated in various events. City schools students delivered well-orchestrated dance performances, while the students of Rashtriya Vidyalaya Girls High School presented a unique mass yoga demonstration. The CM also said that a centre for excellence for the study of classical Kannada will be setup with an initial state investment of Rs 10 crore.