Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge delivered sharp criticism against the Karnataka government on Monday. He focused on severe teacher shortages plaguing schools in the backward Kalyana Karnataka region. Kharge spoke at an event in Yadrami, Kalaburagi district, where he laid the foundation for 300 new Karnataka Public Schools.
Kharge Demands Priority for Kalyana Karnataka
Kharge, who hails from Kalaburagi, did not mince words. He admonished the state administration for its approach. "Before sanctioning schools here, make sure there are enough teachers even if it means teaching children under a tree," he stated emphatically. The Congress leader highlighted a critical gap between infrastructure and staffing.
"We are there because we have schools, buildings, and a few officers. But there are no teachers," Kharge explained. He pointed to districts like Kalaburagi, Yadgir, and Raichur. These areas remain at the bottom rung educationally. "There is no science teacher, maths teacher, English teacher," he lamented.
Impact on Rural Poor and Government Response
Kharge argued that poor families in rural areas suffer the most from these shortages. They cannot provide quality education for their children. Many are forced to send their children to Bengaluru or other cities for schooling. The region also lacks English-medium schools in numerous places.
Directing his remarks at School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Kharge issued a clear demand. If the education department plans to fill 10,000 teacher posts, it must prioritize the Kalyana Karnataka region. Vacancies there should be addressed before any other areas. "Until you sanction enough teachers, there won't be development in this region," he warned.
Broader Political Context and Future Focus
Kharge connected the education issue to broader welfare concerns. He referenced the Central Government's decision to scrap the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He called on the gathering to "prepare for a war" to protect this law meant for the rural poor.
He also commented on the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaced MGNREGA. Kharge predicted it would face the same fate as the three controversial farm laws withdrawn under public pressure. The Congress president stressed that investing in education now would yield significant dividends for the future. He views it as a cornerstone for regional development and social equity.
The event underscored ongoing tensions within the Congress party, where the state government faces internal criticism. Kharge's forceful statements highlight the persistent challenges in Karnataka's education sector, especially in its most underdeveloped regions.
