JD(S) MLC S L Bhojegowda has urged the Karnataka government to implement a policy requiring all elected representatives to enroll their children in government schools. He believes this move would significantly improve the quality of education in these institutions. Bhojegowda made the suggestion during the recent debate on the state budget for 2025-26.
He emphasized that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should prioritize education, stating, “Some government schools in the state already have high enrolment and provide quality education. The government must focus more on education and sports.”
Congress Minister B Suresha echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on his own schooling experience. He highlighted the contributions of Home Minister G Parameshwara’s father to the education sector, noting, “Parameshwara’s father was a pioneer in education. He built a primary school in our village.” Suresha also pointed out that many current legislators and ministers were products of government and Kannada-medium schools.
Lawmakers across party lines acknowledged the role of religious institutions like Siddaganga Mutt, Adichunchanagiri Mutt, and JSS Mutt in advancing education in Karnataka. They also stressed the need to upgrade government schools using funds from private companies under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Additionally, they called for filling vacant teaching positions to strengthen the education system.
Congress Vice-President MK Pranesh shared an example of a government school in Chikkamagaluru that was transformed with significant investment from a coffee plantation owner. “The school was upgraded with crores of rupees, and my own children now attend it,” Pranesh said.
The proposal aims to ensure that elected representatives have a personal stake in improving government schools, thereby driving systemic changes in the quality of public education.
