Teachers' lethargy affecting education quality: Writer

Academician and Kannada scholar M M Kalburgi on Tuesday came down heavily on teachers in the State and said they were only worried about their salary and showed no seriousness in imparting quality education.

Speaking after receiving the ‘Nrupatunga’ literature award, he said the problems of incompetent teachers, defective language policy and lack of facilities in rural schools deserve immediate attention of the government.

Kalburgi also slammed the State government for deciding to merge Kannada medium schools where student strength was low.

He said an action plan for the development of Kannada should be prepared in view of grant of classical status to the language. There was also a need for qualified scholars to prepare and execute the plan.

“We need a new curriculum to create scholars. Only qualified or good scholars can uphold the dignity of the classical status,” he said.

He said that these scholars could effectively propagate the importance of Kannada at the national and international level.

“They can manage the Kannada chairs proposed to be set up in international universities,” he added.

Kalburgi also had a word of advice for Transport Minister R Ashoka who presented him the award. Appreciating him for his good work, Kalburgi added, “You have committed a few mistakes. Correct them and follow the ideals of King Nrupatunga,” he added.

Ashoka said that the cash prize for the award would be increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh from next year.

The award has been instituted by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat and BMTC.