Will pass test of higher education portfolio, says GTD

Higher Education Minister G T Devegowda said he was not troubled by questions regarding his qualification to handle the portfolio as his supporters will help him get through the challenges posed by the job.

“Many have questioned how an 8th-pass person can handle Higher Education department. So, I have told my people that I am dependent on their help to pass this test, just like they helped me in ‘passing’ the test of handling other ministries,” Devegowda told a group of students from Mount Carmel College at an interaction here on Wednesday.

The minister, accompanied by pro tem Chairman of the Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti, answered questions raised by postgraduate students of Public Policy. “My experience and knowledge have helped me from the time when I became Zilla Panchayat president, where I found out things that escaped the eyes of officials,” he said.

Replying to a question on the lack of skill development training among students passing out of higher education, the minister said he has spoken to chief minister on making such courses compulsory in all colleges and institutions.

“Soon, we will hold meetings of vice chancellors of all universities and heads of other institutions. Countries like Switzerland are developing because half of their higher education is focussed on skill development programme. We want to implement such model here by roping in experts,” he said.

Karen, a second-year student, asked why the government was not encouraging students to learn English in schools. “Bengaluru is the IT hub working with companies situated across the globe and English helps in securing jobs. Why the government’s language policy stresses on Kannada,” she asked.

Horatti cited the Supreme Court verdict to note that the choice of medium of instruction is left to the parents. “You are focussing on the students of Bengaluru. What about lakhs of others in the rest of the state? We need to look at the larger picture,” he said.