Government defends bilingual policy, says student welfare is priority
Bengaluru: Karnataka School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa on Saturday reiterated the state government’s commitment to implementing the bilingual education policy, asserting that all decisions are being taken with the best interests of students in mind. He said the recently introduced grading system ensures that academic pressure on children is reduced and their future prospects are not adversely affected.
Speaking to media persons, Bangarappa defended the government’s move to introduce grading for the third language at the SSLC level. “No decision we take should harm children’s welfare or place unnecessary academic burden on them. The grading system is designed to ease pressure and support their overall development,” he said.
The minister emphasized that Karnataka has a rich legacy of protecting its language and cultural identity. He referred to the historic Gokak agitation, stating that such movements have helped preserve Kannada’s prominence in the state. “Our forefathers safeguarded our language, land, and water. We are continuing that responsibility with policies that benefit our children,” he added.
Bangarappa clarified that the government does not intend to impose any language on students, nor does it support hatred towards any language. “The bilingual formula has been welcomed widely. Kannada activists and literary organisations had submitted representations, and we have taken a decision after thorough discussions with them,” he said.
He also revealed that the proposal would be discussed in detail during the ongoing legislative session. “We plan to introduce it in the Assembly, and it will be implemented only after approval from the Legislative Council,” he noted.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, including former Education Minister Suresh Kumar, Bangarappa said the opposition should understand the intent behind the policy. “Kannadigas are free to learn multiple languages, but Kannada must be studied compulsorily,” he stressed.
The minister also reacted to remarks by BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra, suggesting that he should understand the legacy of Kannada pride upheld by his father B. S. Yediyurappa.
