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Bengaluru, Oct 30 (IANS) Karnataka School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced that this year’s Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations will see major changes and a greater participation of students, including a large number of students from government schools.
Kannada Rajyotsava, also known as Karnataka Foundation Day, is celebrated every year on 1 November to mark the formation of the state of Karnataka in 1956.
On this day, all Kannada-speaking areas were unified to form the state, initially called Mysore State, which was renamed Karnataka in 1973.
Speaking to the media after reviewing the arrangements at Bengaluru’s Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium with senior police and education department officials, the minister said, “This is my third Rajyotsav as education minister. Last year, 1,100 students participated, of which 300 were from government schools. This time, 1,700 students will participate, of which 700 will be government school students. All participants will receive certificates.”
The grand Kannada Rajyotsava program will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Legislative Council Speaker Basavaraj Horatti and Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khadar.
Highlighting the ongoing reforms, Minister Bangarappa said government schools are now getting free electricity, which helps teachers conduct remedial classes effectively.
“A special Children’s Day celebration will be organized on November 14, where students, parents and teachers will come together. The Chief Minister will also make several major announcements related to school and PU students on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava and an admission drive will be launched,” he said.
Responding to the reduction in SSLC (Class 10) and PUC (Class 11 and 12) passing marks from 35 per cent to 33 per cent, the minister clarified that it was not a personal decision but based on public opinion.
“This benefits rural and economically weaker students. CBSE and ICSE boards already follow the 33 per cent pass standard,” he said.
On recruitment, he said that more than 13,000 teachers have already been appointed.
“In the coming academic year, a total of around 32,000-33,000 teachers will be recruited, including 13,000 teachers (in government, PU and aided institutions) already recruited,” he said.
–IANS
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