From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jan 21: The Kasturirangan-headed Karnataka Knowledge Commission has recommended to the State Government to double the public spending on drugs from the current 6 to 7 per cent to at least 15 per cent of the overall government expenditure on healthcare.
The Knowledge Commission was constituted by the former BJP Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who has since quit BJP and formed his own regional party KJP, in September 2008 under the Chairmanship of former ISRO Chairman Dr K Kasturirangan.
The Kasturirangan panel felt increase in state funding on health would increase the availability of free medicines and was likely to avoid chronic scarcity in public health facilities.
The Commission was given a specific mandate to evolve a roadmap to transform Karnataka into a vibrant knowledge society.
It submitted its final report to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar here on Monday.
The Commission recommended to the state government to develop an urban primary health policy to focus on multi-sectoral services though a primary health care approach reaching the urban poor and marginalized.
It has also recommended setting up Karnataka Student Scholarship and Loan Authority to co-ordinate, disburse and manage the scholarships and loans to students who pursue higher education in the State.
Another suggestion was to institute a large number of fellowships for the professional growth of teachers.
Though the term of the commission ends on June 30, 2013, it has decided to close its activities next month ahead of elections to the State Legislative Assembly scheduled to be held on April-May.
The commission recommended empowering affiliated colleges with more autonomy and freedom in design of courses and curriculum, besides amending and overhauling Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000.
The Commission has come out with a total of 89 recommendations, of which 17 have already been implemented, 21 on the verge of implementation, 22 under consideration and 29 have been recently submitted, the chairman said.
It has recommended launching of a time-bound special mission for preparation and publication of wide range of books and materials in Kannada for teacher educators and teachers, and development of district-wise knowledge index for tracking and measuring knowledge creation, dissemination and application.
Through its recommendations, the Commission has strived to enhance knowledge creation, application and dissemination in the State, Dr Kasturirangan, who is also member of the Planning Commission, said.
The work of the Commission has placed the State on the threshold of knowledge society and with all its potential Karnataka can become the most preferred destination for knowledge-centric activities including education, information communication, science and technology,” he said.