Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar was talking to reporters in Dharwad on Sunday. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar has defended the state government’s decision to hold college student union elections, saying they can nurture young leaders.
“Several times in the past, youth who participated in such events became promising leaders. Many people who took leadership roles during college elections later became prominent leaders at the national and state levels,” he told reporters in Dharwad on Sunday.
“We believe that elections at the college level are necessary to nurture leadership in the country. However, such elections should not lead to confusion, violence or intimidation on campus. We will take necessary steps to ensure this,” he said.
He was speaking after distributing certificates at an administrative training program for newly selected principals held at the Karnataka State Higher Education Academy.
He said that the allegation by some BJP leaders that the state government was trying to appease the minority communities was baseless and that the state budget was based on the principles of equality and equal opportunities for all.
He also dismissed allegations that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had increased the state’s debt burden.
“The BJP-led NDA government at the center has accumulated over ₹218 crore in debt. It is the Union government that is pushing the country into a major financial crisis,” he claimed.
The minister said that the government is considering including subjects related to Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations in the academic curriculum so that the students of Karnataka have better opportunities in these examinations.
“It is rare for students from Karnataka to get selected in competitive exams conducted by SSC. However, if competitive subjects are included directly in the syllabus, it will help students from the state to crack these exams more easily,” he said.
“Kannada is indeed our mother tongue and we all should respect it and study it. But in today’s competitive world, students must have a strong command of English to move ahead. College principals should encourage students to communicate in English within the college campus. This can help students gain confidence and succeed in life without hesitation. Preparing every student in this direction is the responsibility of the principals,” he added.
The minister said the government faced several challenges in appointing new directors but managed to overcome them without succumbing to pressure.
“Those selected should not only be academically strong but also have administrative efficiency. They should maintain good relations with every staff member in their colleges and work to build a bright future for the students. Most of the students studying in government colleges come from economically and socially backward backgrounds, so the responsibility to shape their future is greater,” he said.
Commissioner of Higher Education Department Manjushree N. said that the newly selected principals were selected with great anticipation and were trained. “They should use their training and upgrade their skills to provide quality teaching to students,” she said.
Additional Director of Higher Education Department AHM Vijayalakshmi presided over the programme. Certificates were presented to some of the newly trained principals.
Karnatak University Vice-Chancellor AM Khan, Academy staff and others were present.
Published – March 8, 2026 7:57 PM IST
