Latest news with #KarnatakaStateCommittee
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP leader's ‘Pakistani' remark against Kalaburagi DC sparks widespread condemnation
N. Ravikumar, BJP MLC, is facing intense criticism from civil society organisations, political leaders, and public associations following his controversial remarks questioning whether Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fouzia Taranum was 'from Pakistan' during a recent party rally in the city. In a strongly worded statement, the Karnataka State Committee of the Akhil Bharatiya Janawadi Mahila Sanghatan condemned Mr. Ravikumar's comments as 'irresponsible and inflammatory'. The statement, signed by organisation president Meenakshi Bali, vice-president K. Neela, and general secretary Devi, called for a public apology from the BJP leader. 'This tendency among BJP leaders to target officials based on their caste and religion is deeply ingrained in the party's ideology,' the statement said. It further demanded that the BJP take disciplinary action against Mr. Ravikumar and cultivate a culture of respect towards women serving the nation. The group also recalled a previous instance in which another BJP leader had allegedly referred to Col. Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Army officer, as a 'terrorist's sister'. In a related development, a delegation of Muslim women submitted a memorandum to Kalaburagi Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa demanding legal action against Mr. Ravikumar. They described his remarks as 'driven by hatred and prejudice' and urged authorities to ensure institutional protection and public support for officers who are being targeted based on religion. 'This is not an isolated incident. Earlier, Col. Qureshi was similarly targeted. Now, it is IAS officer Ms. Taranum. This points to a disturbing pattern of repeated humiliation of qualified, dedicated Muslim women officers in public discourse,' the memorandum stated. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge sharply criticised Mr. Ravikumar's remarks in a Facebook post. Describing the comments as 'highly objectionable and communal', Mr. Priyank accused the BJP of consistently invoking Pakistan to vilify both public servants and political rivals. 'BJP leaders seem unable to function without mentioning Pakistan; it appears they even dream of it,' Mr. Priyank wrote. He noted that Ms. Taranum is a meritorious officer of the Indian Administrative Service, who was recently honoured by President Droupadi Murmu for her exemplary conduct as an election officer. 'She did not gain her post through political flattery or allegiance, but through sincere public service,' he remarked, drawing a pointed contrast with what he implied were politically motivated appointments within the BJP. Mr. Priyank further criticised Mr. Ravikumar for attempting to undermine the integrity of a senior bureaucrat, saying such remarks reflect a 'lack of basic common sense'. He linked the incident to a broader pattern of communal polarisation citing a past instance where BJP leader Vijay Shah referred to Col. Qureshi as a 'terrorist's sister' owing to her religion. 'The BJP's arrogance and communal mindset, where officials and soldiers are vilified based on their faith, will not be tolerated. The public will respond to such bigotry,' he warned. The Karnataka State Government Employees' Association also condemned Mr. Ravikumar's remarks. In a statement issued on Tuesday, district president Basavaraj Balundagi said such irresponsible statements contribute to the harassment of honest officers. Echoing this sentiment, Basavaraj Ingin, State president of the Tur Growers' Association, also criticised the comments. 'Such remarks are not only unacceptable but utterly condemnable,' he said. Speaking to The Hindu over the phone, Mr. Ingin added: 'I know Ms. Taranum personally. She is an honest and hardworking officer who listens attentively to people's problems. When we approached her regarding red gram growers' grievances, she responded promptly and took action.'
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
AISEC offers alternative to NEP 2020, opposes closure of govt schools in Karnataka
The 'All India Save Education Committee (AISEC)-Karnataka State Committee' has opposed the closure of government schools in the State and urged the appointment of adequate number of teachers. The committee has released a draft People's Education Policy-2025 (PEP), an alternative to National Education Policy (NEP 2020), on May 22 with a request to the government of Karnataka not to give non-teaching work to teachers, abandon the no-detention police, and to strengthen public education. Allama Prabhu Bettaduru, president of AISEC, told reporters, 'Over the last five years, we had organised hundreds of workshops, debates, discussions, seminars, symposia, conventions and public gatherings to seek the opinion of people on NEP-2020, and also their alternative to its contentious recommendations. 'We feel proud to say that this PEP is the outcome of tireless efforts of hundreds of educationists and thousands of teachers, professors, students and the general public. Due to their tireless efforts, the government of Karnataka has constituted a commission to formulate a State Education Policy (SEP),' he said. 'In spite of severe resentment among the people to various recommendations of NEP 2020, we are shocked to note that the government of Karnataka has decided to close down 6,000 government schools. This closure of schools, under the pretext of merger, is an important recommendation of NEP 2020,' he added. The draft PEP recommends the two language formula to promote the mother tongue and English language, scientifically developing the language policy, secular, scientific, democratic and universal education system, at least 10% of the Central budget and 20 to 25% of the State budget for education sector.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
AIDSO holds convention to condemn closure of government schools
The All Indian Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) Karnataka State Committee organised a State-level convention on Sunday to condemn the government's decision to close more than 6,000 government schools in the name of Hub and Spoke Model Schools. Many educationists and activists from across the State took part in the convention and provided their suggestions to strengthen government schools. Ajay Kamath, State Secretary, AIDSO, addressed the gathering and said, 'We need to know who benefits from the closure of government schools. Private schools are taking advantage of the fear of parents about the future of their children due to the lack of basic facilities in government schools. The governments are abetting this. For the benefit of a few, government schools are collapsing. A family is spending 82% of their household income on their education and health. The dreams of our great freedom fighters, Netaji and Bhagat Singh, have not been fulfilled. As they expressed their concern, the independence of our country has gone to the rich. In this situation, education is not available to the common people.'
