Mysuru: Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa on Saturday challenged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to learn from Karnataka on how to conduct examinations without question paper leaks.
Bangarappa Takes on Union Minister Over NEET-UG Controversy
Speaking to reporters after meeting noted writer and thinker Devanuru Mahadeva at his residence in Mysuru, Bangarappa referred to the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination. He stated that the issue had led to student suicides, questioning the silence of the Union minister. "Why did Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan stay away for four or five days after the paper leak? There was not a single question paper leak in the three examinations conducted by Karnataka's education department. If he does not know how to conduct examinations, let him come to me; I will teach him," Bangarappa said.
Academic Credentials and Hijab Issue
Bangarappa also responded to critics who questioned his academic credentials, challenging them to first produce certificates of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's education. "I will produce my original certificate," he asserted. Commenting on the hijab issue, the minister said the BJP views it as a controversy, while the Congress sees it as a matter of equality. He claimed that hijabs are allowed in Kendriya Vidyalaya schools and urged BJP leaders to refer to the rules followed by the Kendriya Vidyalayas. "We have followed the same rules. There is no place for saffron shawls in Kendriya Vidyalayas. Let them first allow shawls in KVs and then come to us," he added.
State Education Policy and Textbook Revision
On the proposed State Education Policy (SEP), Bangarappa clarified that it would not be implemented during the current calendar year. He said the draft policy would be sent to the cabinet sub-committee by mid-June. "It is an ongoing process. We will follow whatever the cabinet sub-committee decides. It will be implemented only after cabinet approval," he explained. Accusing the Centre of imposing its ideology, the minister stated, "We do not want to give space to the central government to impose its ideologies. They have that habit. That is why we revised our textbooks." He also said the state government cannot compel government employees to send their children to government schools. "We cannot bring a law in this regard. We can only appeal. We cannot make it mandatory," he added.
Meeting with Devanuru Mahadeva
Speaking about his meeting with Mahadeva, Bangarappa described it as a courtesy visit. "He gave several suggestions, including staging the play 'Govina Haadu' for children," he said.
