'Elected reps need training to face modern challenges'

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy stressed on the need to provide orientation for elected representatives to lead the polity of the country on a right path.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the construction of S M Krishna Institute for Excellence and Policy Research Centre and taking part on Amber Valley School premises in the city on Sunday.

He said skill development, government policies and political orientation are the most relevant issues of the country. According to the findings of National Sample Survey, India is lagging behind in skill development when compared to developed countries. In China, America, England, Germany, Japan and South Korea, 52 per cent, 60 per cent, 68 per cent, 74 per cent,  80 per cent and 90 per cent of people are skilled. But, only 3.5 per cent of the population is skilled, he added. 

Professional skill is a part of higher education. Class 10 or class 12 education is helping people to get jobs. In order to give more thrust on skill development, the prime minister has established a separate ministry. It will take steps to help people with basic education get professional skills, he added. 

Rudy said politics in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh is healthy. But the situation is different in Bihar. When the chief minister was jailed on the charge of corruption there, his wife took over as the chief minister for seven years. In Jarkhand, a leader who did not have majority in the assembly ruled the state as the chief minister for three years. People called this politics. But, this situation arrives only when there is a lack of political orientation, he said. 

“There are no examinations such as Indian Parliamentary Services and Indian Assembly Services. No matter how much higher post a person holds in politics, he has to go to people and seek votes.This is the power of democracy,” Rudy said. He stressed on the need to train elected representatives to face modern challenges. 

Former Union minister S M Krishna laid the foundation stone for the construction of Hegde Institute of Medical Sciences. 

Gangaiah Hegde and Vasanthi Hegde couple and Okkaligara Sangha former president centenarian M R Sannasiddegowda were felicitated. 

Adichunchanagiri mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami, home and district in-charge minister G Parameshwara, Legislative Council former chairman B L Shankar, MP Shobha Karandlaje and MLA C T Ravi were present. 

Pavagad Ramakrishna mutt seer Japananda Swami, Rev Fr Dr K T Anthonyswamy, Khaji Abdul Razaq and Adichunchanagiri Shakha mutt seer Gunanatha Swami were among those who took part in the programme.