Karnataka Minister Backs Youth Protests, Unveils Plans for Jobs and Schools on I-Day
On Independence Day, Karnataka's Minister for School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, hoisted the national tricolour in Shivamogga and addressed the gathering. The Minister used the occasion to appreciate the recent protests by youths over the leak of the NEET question paper, stating that such activism reflects a healthy questioning of authority.
“The youth raised their voice for employment, education, justice, and their future. The protests reflected a mindset among the youth to question the government. I respect them. The youth should question the government, society and us as well,” Mr. Bangarappa said.
His remarks come amid widespread student demonstrations in several cities over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. The protests have focused attention on the need for transparency in competitive exams and accountability from authorities.
Drawing parallels between the freedom struggle and contemporary challenges, the Minister recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and called upon citizens to strive towards realising the nation they had envisioned. “We have many challenges before us. We need to fight against poverty, hunger, unemployment and injustice. This is our new freedom struggle. We need to fight against forces that try to divide us on the lines of caste and religion,” he said.
In a series of announcements aimed at youth and education, the Minister said the State Government had launched a programme to form 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas across Karnataka. Guidelines for the sanghas have been issued, and each sangha will receive ₹10 lakh for its activities. He urged the youth to take part in nation-building.
Highlighting the government's focus on education, Mr. Bangarappa said 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) would be built across the State. The launch of this ambitious programme is expected to be held in Shivamogga in the coming days, with 59 KPS planned for the district.
Addressing unemployment, the Minister said the government had initiated the process to fill 72,000 vacancies, including 15,000 teaching positions. He also mentioned the 'Yuva Udyoga Sethu' scheme, which aims to help youth secure job opportunities in the private sector.
Mr. Bangarappa assured the people of Shivamogga that issues faced by bagair hukum cultivators and those displaced by the Sharavati project would be resolved, as the matter is in its final stage.
The celebrations included a colourful marchpast with 29 platoons from the DAR, KSRP, Civil Police, Home Guards, Forest Department, NCC, and schoolchildren, led by RPI Yuvaraj S.S. Cultural performances by students were a highlight. Kiran Kendra Vidyalaya students performed a group dance and a Mallakhamb display, a traditional sport combining gymnastics and wrestling grips. Students of Mountain Innovative School presented a dance based on Operation Sindoor, while Machenahalli Police Public School students depicted the valour of freedom fighters. The Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports presented a cultural programme emphasising the Bharat Jodo Yuva Sangha scheme.
Legislators Balkhees Banu, D.S. Arun, Dhananjaya Sarji, Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti, Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil, and Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth were among those present.
