Bengaluru, Sep 29 — Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said an important meeting on education policy in southern states and measures to prevent examination irregularities was held in New Delhi, with senior Congress leaders and representatives of various state governments participating.
AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal and ministers and Chief Ministers from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh attended the meeting, Shivakumar told the media.
He said the discussions focused on maintaining transparency in examinations, including those conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), and preventing question paper leaks.
“The high command leaders have given us clear guidance on maintaining transparency in all examinations, including KPSC, and preventing paper leaks. We are committed to bringing reforms in the education sector through the Cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister U.T. Khader,” he said.
Shivakumar also alleged that some states were trying to incorporate the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideology into textbooks.
“In some states, there are attempts to incorporate BJP ideology into textbooks. We have been given guidance to act on national issues based on the principles that have existed here from the beginning,” he said.
Reacting to a complaint filed with the Lokayukta against Congress MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah alleging Rs 444 crore irregularities, Shivakumar dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“He has been in office for only a few months. Is it possible for him to commit irregularities worth Rs 444 crore in such a short period? All of that is completely false and baseless,” he said.
On the contractors' association's letter to the government seeking release of Rs 38,000 crore in pending dues, Shivakumar acknowledged that the state was facing financial difficulties.
He blamed the previous B.S. Yediyurappa-led government for leaving behind a financial burden by awarding a large number of works.
“The previous B.S. Yediyurappa government awarded so many works and left behind a financial burden. Tell those holding press conferences to suggest a solution to this,” he said sarcastically.
However, he assured that the government would take appropriate steps to address the issue.
“The situation is difficult, but appropriate steps will be taken to find a solution,” he added.