Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 7: The Karnataka government on Friday announced that Bangalore City University will now be named Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University, honouring the former Prime Minister’s contributions to the nation.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, presenting the state budget for 2025-26, stated that Government Arts College and Government R C College would become constituent institutions of the newly renamed university, aiming to make it a model institution in the country.

In a major move to combat malnutrition, the government has extended the egg/banana scheme for 53 lac schoolchildren from two to six days a week with support from the Azim Premji Foundation, allocating Rs 1,500 cr. Additionally, the Sai Sure Ragi Health Mix programme, currently provided three times a week by Shri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, will now be extended to five days, with the state covering 25% of the Rs 100 cr project cost.

Education infrastructure will also see a major expansion, with 500 new Karnataka Public Schools set to be established at a cost of Rs 2,500 cr, backed by the Asian Development Bank. The honorarium for school cooks will be increased by Rs 1,000.

The AI-based Kalika Deepa programme, in partnership with Ek-Step Foundation, will be expanded to 2,000 schools to strengthen Kannada, English, and math learning. Additionally, Vidya Vijeta, which provides CET/NEET/JEE coaching to government PU college students, will continue with an allocation of Rs 5 cr. To enhance bilingual education, 4,000 government schools will introduce English-mother tongue sections.

Strengthening women’s higher education remains a focus, with Rs 26 cr earmarked to upgrade 26 institutions. This follows last year’s initiative, which improved infrastructure in 31 women’s colleges.

In a groundbreaking move, Karnataka will introduce India’s first dedicated policy for preventing and treating burn injuries among women, marking a significant step towards women’s healthcare and safety.