Karnataka Introduces 7% Reservation for Rural Government School Students

Bengaluru, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka's Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, announced on November 1 that students from rural government schools will receive a 7% reservation in professional courses, including engineering and medical programs. This decision aims to provide greater educational opportunities for these students. Speaking to the media at his residence in Sadashivanagar and near the Bhuwaneswari Devi statue at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of protecting every voter's rights, stating, "It is our collective responsibility." During his address at the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at Kanteerava Stadium, he reiterated that this reservation is intended to enhance access to vocational education for students from rural areas.The Chief Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to upgrade rural schools to urban standards. He noted that orders have been issued for the recruitment of 15,000 teachers, and 25,498 bilingual schools have been established across Karnataka. Additionally, 250 government schools now feature science laboratories. Shivakumar announced that skill-based education will commence from Class 6, with artificial intelligence training starting at the same level and continuing through to Class 12.The government is utilizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to support the development of public schools in Karnataka. He stressed the need for Kannada to be more than just an official language, urging that it should resonate in the hearts of the people. Children should first learn Kannada while preparing to compete globally, he said, advocating for its use in daily life. In the context of the digital age, he remarked on the limitless potential of languages, asserting that if people love their language, it will protect them.He encouraged students to cultivate interests in academics, sports, arts, and literature. Shivakumar also highlighted the state's initiatives for athletes, noting that Karnataka's competitors won eight medals at the Asian Games. The government has announced cash incentives of ₹1 crore for gold medalists, ₹75 lakh for silver, and ₹50 lakh for bronze winners. Athletes participating in the Asian Games received ₹5 lakh each, while those preparing for the Paralympics were granted ₹10 lakh each.