‘Govt must provide free education to girls’

“At present, the government is providing free education to girls till class tenth, but the government should extend free education to girls up to graduation,” said Governor and Chancellor of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.

After inaugurating the newly-constructed Convocation Bhavan, Academic Bhavan and Regional Centre buildings, at Mukthagangotri, the campus of KSOU, here, on Saturday, he said, this will help mould the future of India.

“Out of 10,000 students who pursue their education in KSOU, 7,000 are girls. When women get education, the nation becomes stronger,” he added.

Stating that the students who pursue education through open universities are intelligent, Vajubhai Vala said, “In the regular courses, students get educated with the help of teachers, but the students of open universities obtain their degree through self-study and hard work.”

He said that it is the duty and responsibility of the citizens to adopt those who cannot afford education.

“Education and science will make the country strong. When the youth get sound education and support in the field of science and innovation, India can also prepare advanced fighter aircrafts that would be superior to Rafale.

He said, “As the former VC of KSOU failed to write a letter to the University Grants Commission (UGC), seeking recognition of the courses, the UGC cancelled recognition to the KSOU. Now, the UGC has granted recognition to KSOU. The erstwhile maharajas of Mysuru accorded priority to education and built universities and colleges in the Mysuru state.”

Higher Education Minister G T Devegowda, Vice-Chancellor D Shivalingaiah, MLC Sandesh Nagaraj and MLA L Nagendra were present.