Latest news with #Bilimale
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
KDA urges State govt. to fill all 55,000 vacancies in schools
The Karnataka Development Authority (KDA) has urged the State government to fill all 55,000 vacancies of teachers in government primary and high schools as soon as possible, KDA chairman Purushottam Bilimale said in Belagavi on Friday. He was speaking at a meeting of officials at Rani Channamma University. 'There are many vacancies in the State and these will soon increase owing to retirement of teachers. Teaching in schools is already affected and the situation will worsen if there is no immediate recruitment,' he said. Prof. Bilimale urged university teachers to ensure that the teaching-learning process was of high standards. 'Kannada is not just a means of communication, but also a medium of our rich culture. Universities bear the real responsibility of keeping our heritage alive'. He said KDA would encourage research in Kannada studies. He asked them to promote research and publication in science subjects in Kannada medium. 'We are trying to create a lot of reading material for schoolchildren in various disciplines. University faculty members should help us by contributing to the effort,' he said. Santosh Hanagal, secretary, said the authority was constantly working for the promotion and development of Kannada at the academic level. 'We aim to instil the true Kannada spirit in the hearts of the students,' he said. Vice-Chancellor C.M. Thyagaraja said the RCU will work with KDA to promote learning and higher studies in Kannada.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Two language policy is our stand, says KDA chairman
'Karnataka Development Authority's stand is that the State should follow the policy of teaching two languages to children in primary school. We are in the process of recommending this to the State government,' KDA chairman Purushottam Bilimale said in Belagavi on Thursday. Addressing officers of various departments in the Deputy Commissioner's office, Prof. Bilimale said that the authority has taken the ideological stand of supporting the two-language policy. 'This is based on the idea that Kannada will be the language of instruction and English and Kannada will be taught from the first standard. Other languages can be taught when children reach higher classes,' he said. He said that the objective of institutions like KDA is to see that administration is in the language of the people. He said that of all Indian languages, the growth of Hindi has been the fastest across the country. Between 1971 and 2011, Hindi has recorded a growth rate of 66%. 'The other major languages like Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam have shown growth of around 12%-13%. The slowest growth has been of Kannada. It has grown only by 3.73%. If the same trend continues, then Kannada will remain only a spoken language in a few decades. It is not just a matter of figures and numbers, but it is evident in cities like Bengaluru,' he said. 'In Karnataka that has around 6.4 crore people, 25% cannot speak Kannada. We have nothing against people who speak different languages. But we expect them to learn Kannada as long as they live here. However, if other linguistic communities are not speaking Kannada, I do not hold them responsible,' he said. 'Speakers of other languages don't speak Kannada only because we have failed to teach them. KDA has taken up this responsibility. We have set up 100 Kannada training centres across the State. We are starting them in border districts like Belagavi,' he said. 'Let me clarify that we are supporters of Kannada, but not language chauvinists. We love our language, but do not hate other tongues. We are naturally concerned about the condition of Kannada and want it to be preserved for the next generations. I come from the coastal districts and have worked in Delhi for several years. I can speak several languages. I strongly believe that being bilingual is not a crime. Preserving one's mother tongue is not just the responsibility of Kannadigas. It is the sacred duty of all Indian language communities,' he said. 'Belagavi is a border district and the challenges in protecting the language here are different. I am not unaware of such issues. I accept these issues but will take steps to promote Kannada. However, we need to find creative solutions to these issues. We need to introspect on all earlier attempts and see why have we succeeded or failed,' he said. 'We should not be too bothered about historical events like linguistic reorganisation of States. The government and civil society organisations should work together in protecting and promoting Kannada,' he said. He expressed concern over the fall in the standard of education. 'At one time, Karnataka used to be known for high standard of education. But we are now witnessing a rapid fall in the standard of education. A national level survey has revealed that half the primary school students cannot recite simple tables. I think the solution is commitment from the side of teachers and administrators to provide quality education to students,' he said. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao, Superintendent of Police Bheemashakar S. Guled, KDA secretary Santosh Hangal and others were present.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Teacher shotage in govt schools likely to reach 1 lakh by April 2026: KDA chief
Belagavi: Purushottam Bilimale, chairman of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), revealed that Karnataka is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers in its govt-run primary and high schools, with current vacancies standing at an alarming 55,000. The situation is set to worsen significantly, as an additional 36,000 teachers are slated to retire by April 2026, potentially pushing the total deficit to a staggering 1 lakh. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Bilimale clarified that the teacher shortage is not confined to border areas but is a statewide issue. He noted that while 32,000 guest teachers are currently serving, with another 12,000 recently appointed, this measure offers only temporary relief. "As KDA chairman, I have already brought this critical issue to the attention of chief minister Siddaramaiah and primary and secondary education minister Madhu Bangarappa," Bilimale stated. "I have also written articles on the matter. While I don't anticipate a complete resolution immediately, I will assure that priority will be given to border districts when appointments are made." Kannada language implementation lauded In a positive development, the Kannada scholar commended officials of the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) for their diligent implementation of the govt's 60:40 language ratio mandate for boards and hoardings across the city. "According to BCC officials, approximately 8,000 out of 10,000 such boards already adhere to the govt prescribed ratio. The remaining will be addressed in the coming days, and I have instructed them to achieve 100% compliance," Bilimale said. He emphasized that the 60:40 ratio, which allows 40% space for other languages, is a model order that has been adopted by Odisha as well, following Karnataka's lead. Pending issues and future plans Regarding the demand for withdrawing the cases against Kannada activists, the KDA chief indicated that results could be seen within the next six months, citing previous discussions with CM Siddaramaiah. He also promised to write to the govt requesting a budget allocation of Rs 2 crore for the Rajyotsava celebrations in Belagavi, an event that draws an estimated 6 to 7 lakh attendees. Bilimale assured that he would appeal the govt to halt official ads and other facilities to non-Kannada newspapers in Belagavi, that publish content against Kannada language, Karnataka, and Kannadigas. He also directed BCC commissioner Shubha B to inspect the Gadi Bhavan in Vadagaon, which has been unused for many years, and initiate measures to make it functional. Concerning the state-of-the-art Kannada Bhavan in Belagavi, for which the govt has invested Rs 7 crore, Bilimale confirmed that the DC has formed a special committee to oversee the building. "Measures will be taken to make the hall available at the lowest cost for Kannada-related activities," he promised. Border development authority member Ashok Chandaragi, KDA nominated members Dakshayini Huded, and KDA secretary Santosh Hanagal were present. Prior to this, Bilimale and his team held meetings with leaders of pro-Kannada organisations and conducted review meetings on Kannada implementation at DC office and BCC office.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Kannada learning centres to be opened in Dharwad for officers of PSUs, govt. depts.
The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) will set up Kananda learning centres in Dharwad region on the lines of those established in Bengaluru for helping non-Kannada speaking officials of government departments, banks and PSUs to communicate in Kannada. Addressing presspersons in Dharwad on Wednesday, KDA chairman Purushottam Bilimale said that as officials are posted from other States to Karnataka, communicating in Kannada is difficult for them and it is often leading to conflicts with the local people because of their inability to communicate in the local language. 'In order to resolve these conflicts, the KDA has come up with the idea of Kannada learning centres and it has already set up around 20 such centres in Bengaluru. We plan to establish over five such centres in Dharwad district. These centres will offer crash course of 36 hours during which simple communication in Kannada will be taught,' he said. Licence renewal Expressing satisfaction over 75% implementation of the rule to have Kannada name boards in the district, Mr. Bilimale, however, said that in Hubballi, a commercial centre, the percentage is comparatively less. 'During discussion, a suggestion was made regarding renewing trade licence only after licence holders provided proof of having over 60% Kannada in name boards and other display material. We are positive that the Hubballi Municipal Commissioner will implement it,' he said. Naming after scholars Mr. Bilimale said that the KDA has proposed to name various roads on the vast campus of Karnatak University after scholars and activists who have contributed towards the progress of the university. The issue was discussed with the new vice-chancellor of the university and he has promised to implement it, he said. On the issue of withdrawal of cases against Kananda activists, he said that the KDA has asked the Deputy Commissioners of various districts to provide the list of such activists against whom cases have been booked for taking part in agitations for the cause of Kannada. 'After getting the list, we will take up the matter with the government to get the cases withdrawn,' he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SSLC exam: KDA subcommittee to probe reasons for students' failure in Kannada paper
Dharwad: Expressing serious concern over the large number of students, particularly from govt schools, failing in Kannada language paper in SSLC examination, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has announced the formation of a subcommittee to study the issue and suggest remedial measures. Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday after a review meeting on the implementation of Kannada in governance, KDA chief Purushottam Bilimale described the situation as disastrous and said in Dharwad district alone, around 750 students had failed the Kannada language paper. "What is even more alarming is that a majority of these students are from govt schools," he rued. The subcommittee, comprising Kannada scholars and primary school teachers, will investigate the teaching/ learning methods of Kannada and suggest necessary reforms. "This is a matter of serious concern that touches upon the future of the state's language. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months. Based on the findings, the KDA will recommend appropriate action to the education department," he added. Two-language policy Addressing the ongoing debate around the two-language policy, Bilimale said, "In my individual capacity, I firmly support the idea of a two-language policy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo However, implementing it will be extremely difficult in the current political context, especially in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra where national parties are in power. These parties are unlikely to support a policy that does not prioritise Hindi. In contrast, states like Tamil Nadu, where regional parties hold sway, find it easier to implement such policies," he said. Regarding the forthcoming State Education Policy (SEP), Bilimale said he had interacted with members of the policy drafting committee, including Niranjanaradhya and Baragur Ramachandrappa, and was confident that a two- language policy would be among their recommendations. "The real question, however, is whether the state govt will have the political will to adopt and implement it," he said. Clarifying his stance on Hindi, Bilimale noted, "We are not opposed to teaching Hindi. Our objection lies in the way it is being positioned, not merely as a language, but as a tool of power. Its imposition is part of a political agenda. To resist this, we must assert the primacy of Kannada. If we fail to do so, regional languages will be sidelined." Referring to the historic Gokak Movement, which sought primacy for Kannada in the state, Bilimale pointed out the significant role played by the Dharwad region. "Unfortunately, there is no memorial or institution that commemorates this contribution. We are recommending the establishment of a memorial at Gabbur Cross in Hubballi, which serves as the gateway to North Karnataka," he said. Bilimale said the KDA will conduct a detailed study on the funds crunch faced by various trusts and prevail upon govt to ensure proper funding.
