JOIN USIlliteracy among TP, GP members high
It is shocking, but true. While there are 15,823 illiterate members in the three divisions of Panchayat raj in the state ( Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Gram Panchayat), there are 1,131 panchayat members in Mysore district alone, according to available statistics.
This has turned out to be big challenge for the elected representatives to involve themselves completely in panchayat raj system.
In view of this, Department of Panchayat Raj which understood the importance of literacy, directed the Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer to identify the illiterate elected representatives and conduct coaching classes for them. Accordingly, Lok Shikshana Samiti has identified the uneducated panchayat members of Mysore district.
The report says, there are 10 illiterate women members in taluk panchayats of the district. Including both men and women, 194 have been identified in Mysore taluk, 129 in H D Kote, 138 in Periyapatna, 125 in Hunsur, 144 in K R Nagar, 131 in T Narasipura and 269 in Nanjangud taluks.
But fortunately, all the 46 members of Mysore Zilla Panchayat are literates.
In the year 2005-06, about 1,057 panchayat members were identified as illiterates in Mysore district. Myrada institution in association with Lok Shikshana Samiti and zilla panchayat had organised 18-day coaching literacy training with necessary study material. In all, 867 members utilised the coaching camp and were able to read, write and make simple calculations.
Lok Shikshana Samiti
District Lok Shikshana officer Dr K Shankaralingegowda said that those who are not able to read, write have been considered as illiterates. Many who have studied up to 2nd or 3rd classes too are not able to identify the words and many others have not even attended schools. Sakshara Bharat learning centres are being conducted in every gram panchayat limits and gram panchayat members coming under their limits can avail free training there.
The training centres are complete with volunteers, books and learning equipment. The members should shed their inhibitions and attend the classes being conducted for their benefit, he said.
Meeting to be convened soon
ZP CEO Ajay Nagabushan said that a meeting would be convened to discuss whether separate training centres should be started for the purpose or whether arrangement can be made to coach the members at the existing Sakshara Bharat learning centres. Steps would be taken soon to increase the literacy rate among the members, he added.
Statistics
TALUK zp tp gp
Women Male Female Total
Mysore - 04 59 135 194
H D Kote - 04 57 63 120
Periyapatna - 02 51 87 138
Hunsur - - 37 88 125
K R Nagar - - 39 105 144
T Narasipur - - 37 94 131
Nanjangud - 121 148 169
Total: - 10 401 720 112