Latest news with #non-Kannada


Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Karnataka school association urges government to retain three-language policy to protect kids' rights
Bengaluru: The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka (KAMS) has appealed to the govt to uphold the three-language policy and implement key reforms to the SSLC language assessment system in the best interest of students across the state. The association said it would approach the court in case the state plans to change it to a two-language formula. It may be recalled that following developments in Maharashtra, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said he also approves of two-language formula. The association said, "Political resistance to the three-language policy in Karnataka disproportionately affects state board students. Students under CBSE and ICSE enjoy access to three languages, often including their mother tongue or a foreign language. The state cannot impose a medium of instruction or deny parental rights regarding language education. Any denial of the third language also adversely affects non-Kannada speakers and linguistic minorities. " You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru It also pointed out that Karnataka is the only state that evaluates the first language paper for 125 marks, while across the nation, all boards restrict this to 100. This creates unnecessary pressure on students, it pointed out. The Karnataka School Education and Assessment Board has already submitted a proposal to the state govt to make the assessment in line with CBSE. The proposal recommends the inclusion of internal marks, reduction of pass mark to 33 instead of 35, and evaluating the first language out of 100 instead of 125 marks. "Don't disturb the three-language policy; make it a choice and flexible with freedom of choice, rather than enforcing or eliminating specific languages. These measures are essential for protecting students' rights, promoting multilingualism, and enabling Karnataka's children to thrive in a national and global context," said D Shashi Kumar, secretary of the association at a press conference Saturday.


Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kichcha Sudeep announces action thriller 'K47'; aims for Christmas 2025 release: "It may seem like a stretch, but we're committed"
Picture Credit: Facebook Kannada star Kichcha Sudeep has officially pulled the curtain back on his 47th film, tentatively titled 'K47'. The high-octane action thriller will be directed by 'Max' fame Vijay Kartikeyan. Sudeep who is working on another film 'Billa Ranga Baasha' recently shared about the upcoming film. As per a Cinema Express report, their goal is to release 'K47' by Christmas. Sudeep is already occupied with the shooting of his massive fantasy epic 'Billa Ranga Baasha,' directed by Anup Bhandari. Speaking about juggling both films, Sudeep shared, "Billa Ranga Baasha is a grand film with massive sets and elaborate world-building, it needs time. But in the meantime, I wanted to deliver a film this year, and 'K47' is designed to be a quick, solid action entertainer. The goal is to release it by Christmas. It may seem like a stretch, but we're committed." K47 - Motion Poster | Kichcha Sudeepa | Vijay Kartikeyaa | Sathya Jyothi Films & Kichcha Creatiions While many speculated that 'K47' would be a sequel to 'Max', Sudeep clarified that the upcoming film is a standalone project with a fresh storyline. "Yes, when a film like 'Max' works, the temptation to build a franchise is real. But 'K47' is something new altogether—new character, new tone. It's not Max 2. We didn't want to force that connection just for branding." There were also rumours about filmmaker Cheran being attached to the project at some stage. Sudeep acknowledged the collaboration in its early stages but mentioned that it didn't progress. The music for 'K47' will be composed by Ajaneesh Loknath. He also spoke about the criticism associated with him, mostly for working with non-Kannada banners. Sudeep responded with honesty, "It's not about where the banner is from. Whoever comes with a good story, I'll join hands. If big Kannada banners have stories, I'm always ready."


Time of India
11-07-2025
- 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
10-07-2025
- 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
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kannada learning centres to be set up in Dharwad for govt, PSU officials
Dharwad: In a bid to help non-Kannada speaking officials communicate effectively with locals, Kannada Development Authority (KDA) will soon establish Kannada learning centres in Dharwad, modelled on similar initiatives running successfully in Bengaluru. KDA chairman Purushottam Bilimale said in Dharwad on Wednesday that officials from other states posted to Karnataka often face language barriers, which in turn leads to communication gaps and conflicts with the locals. To address these issues, KDA launched Kannada learning centres in Bengaluru, and nearly 20 such centres are already functioning, he said. Now it is planned to open at least five centres in Dharwad district. These centres will offer a 36-hour crash course focused on basic Kannada conversational skills, Bilimale said. He expressed satisfaction over the implementation of Kannada name boards in about 75% of business establishments in Dharwad district. However, he noted that the compliance in Hubballi, being a major commercial hub, was relatively lower. "During discussions, a suggestion was made to link trade license renewals to Kannada signage compliance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo We are optimistic that the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation commissioner will consider implementing this rule," he said. The KDA has also proposed naming roads on the Karnatak University campus after eminent scholars and activists who have significantly contributed to the university's development. "The university's new vice-chancellor has assured us of its implementation," the KDA chief said. Withdrawal of cases Addressing the issue of legal cases filed against Kannada activists, Bilimale said the KDA has directed all deputy commissioners across the state to compile and submit a list of activists who faced legal action for participating in pro-Kannada agitations. "Once we receive these lists, we will take up the matter with the state government and seek withdrawal of these cases in the interest of justice and linguistic rights," he stated.