Edu institutions should work to get autonomy, says Deputy CM Ashwath Narayana

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister Dr C.N.Ashwath Narayana, who is also the minister of higher education, suggested that higher institutions prepare themselves to fulfill eligibility criteria for securing autonomous status, at the earliest.

He addressed a gathering while inaugurating the "Good Governance Day" observed in Vidhana Soudha to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister, A.B.Vajpayee, on Friday.

Narayana said, "The government is ready to give autonomy and freedom in every sector including higher education. The government does not believe in a rigid controlling mindset. More and more degree, polytechnic, engineering colleges should try to get autonomous status." He suggested that the higher education institutions should consolidate local co-operation, enhance skill, leverage technology, ensure the judicious execution of responsibility in their way to become autonomous. Developed countries all over the world have achieved excellence because of decentralization. This should happen in our system also, at a rapid pace. The National Education Policy has paved way for this by eliminating limitations and rigidity which existed earlier, he explained. He further emphasized that the LMS (Learning Management System) being implemented in the State would make a revolutionary change in the years to come.

"It's not true that changes could be made only by spending a large amount of money. It is also possible to make big changes in minimum spending." "Education is the only way (Rajamarga) to get solutions for the problems which we come across. While other means give only temporary solutions, it is education that can give permanent solution to the problems. Government strongly believes in empowering the education system and ready to fill any shortfalls towards achieving this," he stressed. "Former Prime Minister Vajpayee was an inspirational personality. His thoughts and deeds will be relevant forever. He served the people at all stages of his life, as a citizen, party worker, opposition leader, and Prime Minister. He contributed to the country and humanity whether he was in power or not," he stated.

Pradeep, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate Education, Raghavendra, Managing Director, Department of Skill Development, and Praveen, General Manager, Karnataka Innovation & Technological Society (KITS) made PPT presentations on progressive steps being taken by respective departments.