Karnataka Education Minister Announces Major Relief for Private Schools
Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa delivered significant news for private school managements on Sunday. He promised substantial relaxation in compliance requirements for renewing school recognition certificates. The minister made this announcement during the 'Vision Mission' education conference organized by the Associated Managements of English Medium Schools in Karnataka.
Drastic Reduction in Mandatory Conditions
Bangarappa revealed concrete numbers about the compliance reduction. The government previously demanded schools fulfill 65 different conditions for recognition renewal. This number has already dropped to approximately 30 conditions. The education department now aims to reduce it further to just 25 mandatory parameters.
The minister emphasized his commitment to process simplification. "Our aim is to make the system so simple that you won't need to visit our offices at all," Bangarappa stated clearly. He issued a stern warning to department officials about potential harassment. "If I discover any official harassing school managements, I will not hesitate to take strict punitive action," the minister declared.
Addressing Concerns About Official Interference
P Puttanna, Member of Legislative Council from Bangalore Teachers' constituency, raised important concerns during the conference. He urged the minister to minimize what he called "unnecessary interference" from education department officials. This includes block education officers who frequently visit schools.
"Once the department grants permission to a school, why should officials continue bothering them?" Puttanna questioned directly. He pointed out that schools face additional documentation demands from the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. However, Minister Bangarappa explained that different departments operate under specific mandates that cannot be easily altered.
Special Committee to Investigate School Challenges
The minister provided details about a dedicated committee formed to examine private school difficulties. A House panel led by P Puttanna will investigate the specific challenges schools encounter. These problems particularly involve submitting historical documents and obtaining plan approvals required for recognition renewal.
Bangarappa also shared personal reflections about his initial experiences as education minister. He referenced an old political saying about the education portfolio ruining political careers. "Some people believe becoming education minister destroys one's political future. I completely reject this notion," the minister asserted confidently.
Recent Educational Initiatives Highlighted
The minister highlighted several important changes implemented during his tenure. These include:
- Introducing webcasting systems during examination periods
- Conducting three separate exam sets for SSLC students
- Reducing the passing percentage requirement to 33%
- Eliminating fees for second and third SSLC examination attempts
Mathematics Curriculum Reform Proposed
Private school representatives presented an important curriculum suggestion during the conference. They urged Minister Bangarappa to introduce two mathematics options for SSLC students, similar to the CBSE system. The Central Board of Secondary Education allows Class 10 students to choose between standard and basic mathematics variants.
KAMS General Secretary D Shashi Kumar explained the potential benefits. "Providing similar options for state board students would help reduce mathematics anxiety that many learners experience. This approach could significantly improve their SSLC examination scores," Kumar stated. He estimated this change could positively impact approximately 50,000 students annually across Karnataka.
The conference concluded with renewed optimism about public-private collaboration in education. School managements expressed appreciation for the minister's responsiveness to their practical concerns about compliance burdens and administrative processes.
