In a significant move to strengthen the state's education system, Karnataka's Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Madhu Bangarappa, has announced a massive recruitment drive. The initiative aims to tackle the acute shortage of teaching staff by appointing 12,000 new teachers across the state.
Major Expansion of Karnataka Public Schools
The announcement was made on Saturday in Shivamogga, where the minister was attending a felicitation programme for meritorious teachers. Alongside the recruitment, Minister Bangarappa unveiled an ambitious plan for infrastructure expansion. He revealed that around 900 new Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) will be established in the upcoming academic year.
The groundwork for this expansion is already in motion. Approval has been granted for 500 KPS schools, with tenders currently being processed. The plan includes adding another 300 schools, plus an additional 100 schools that will be funded by the minority departments. The detailed project report (DPR) for this large-scale project is currently under preparation.
Focus on Values and Academic Excellence
The minister made these revelations at DVS Institution, where teachers from both aided and unaided schools were honoured for their exceptional work in improving SSLC examination results. Highlighting a holistic approach to education, Bangarappa stressed the critical importance of introducing moral education in the school curriculum.
He emphasized that such a subject would play a vital role in helping children cultivate respect for their parents and elders. Furthermore, it would serve to strengthen their emotional and ethical foundation, creating more well-rounded individuals alongside their academic growth.
Addressing Core Challenges in Education
This dual announcement addresses two of the most pressing issues in Karnataka's education sector: the shortage of qualified teaching staff and the need for more accessible public school infrastructure. The recruitment of 12,000 teachers is expected to significantly reduce the student-teacher ratio and improve the quality of classroom instruction.
Simultaneously, the establishment of 900 new Karnataka Public Schools will enhance educational access for students in various regions, aligning with broader goals of improving literacy and learning outcomes. This comprehensive plan signals a strong commitment from the state government to revitalize its school education system.
