Karnataka CM Shivakumar, Aishwarya Hegde’s daughter faces flak over remarks on government school teachers: Here’s what happened | Today’s news
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his daughter Aishwarya DKS Hegde are facing criticism after the latter made remarks about the quality of teachers in government schools. Stakeholders have accused the government of placing the blame on teachers instead of addressing the poor state of public education.
Karnataka CM’s daughter faces criticism: Here’s what happened
According to a Deccan Herald report, Aishwarya Hegde, an educationist and daughter of Shivakumar, attended a CSR event organized by the government, where she remarked, “More than shortage of teachers, low efficiency is the problem.” She was referring to the Karnataka Public School in Doddalahalli, which receives support from the National Education Foundation, where she serves as trustee-secretary.
She further said, “Despite the salary of ₹1.1 million, teachers did not go to school five days a week. We had no right to control. If we spend so much money, we should be able to control whether people go (to work) regularly. Why should we spend our money irresponsibly?”
After her remarks at the event, CM Shivakumar also expressed disappointment over the commitment of teachers who were paid ₹1.5 million. However, he clarified that he did not mean all government school teachers.
Educators, teachers and MLAs criticize the notes
The father-daughter duo’s remarks drew criticism from stakeholders across the education sector. Members of the Committee to Save Public Education accused the government of shifting the blame for the poor state of public education onto teachers.
Committee members said: “They are actually trying to put the blame on teachers while sidestepping the role of government policy in bringing things to this state.”
JD(S) MLC AP Ranganath, who represents Bangalore Teachers’ Constituency, also criticized the remarks of Shivakumar and his daughter Aishwarya. He said, “These remarks are an insult to teachers. Before being appointed to government schools, teachers undergo all the required tests conducted by the government to qualify for the job. The father-daughter duo must understand this.”
The Karnataka government’s proposal for school admissions is drawing backlash
Members of the Save Public Education Committee also expressed concern that the state government might decide to close all public schools. The committee criticized the proposal to allow admissions by government schools, calling it an “anti-people” move. It argued that the government was trying to shirk its responsibilities instead of addressing shortcomings in the public education system.
It said: “The government even allows private schools to brand their names along with the names of the state institutions they admit.”
The proposal also drew criticism from academics, student body representatives and teachers who opposed the state government’s move to invite private educational institutions to adopt government schools.
The All-India Democratic Students’ Organization called on the government to withdraw the policy.
The RTE Students’ Association also criticized the decision and reminded the government that education is a fundamental right. He added: “Public schools are the responsibility of the respective government.”
