From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 23: With the reopening of High Schools and Pre-University Colleges for the physical starting of Classes 9, 10 and PUC I and II year from Monday in most of the districts in Karnataka after a long gap due to the Covid pandemic, Chief Minister went round some of the schools in the city and interacted with the students.
“The students, who attended the schools for the physical classes were really happy. They got real freedom to mingle with their classmates and take part in the lessons,’’ the Chief Minister told reporters after his visits to the Government PU College as well as the Nirmala Rani High School in Malleswaram along with the State’s Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and Primary and Secondary Education Minister B C Nagesh.
The Chief Minister said it was a challenge to provide education amidst Covid 1st and 2nd wave. There has been several experiments like online classes and coaching in school premises.
“The Primary and Higher education departments have done a good job to keep the students in constant touch,’’ he said.
The State Government announced the opening of schools on the basis of expert committee report from Monday, August 23.
The Primary and Higher Education ministers have worked hard to make necessary arrangements before opening the schools, the Chief Minister said.
“Students have expressed their happiness. Teaching and understanding will be better and one to one connection can be established. Network issues can be avoided and a true bonding between the students and teachers will happen. Learning is the path to earn knowledge. An open environment is required to achieve knowledge,’’ he said.
Bommai advised children to be cautious about health and follow Covid norms strictly such as wearing masks, social distancing and sanitizing. All measures will be closely monitored.
Opening of Schools in Border Districts
Schools in border districts will be opened in a phased manner when the Covid positivity rate is less than 2%, the Chief Minister indicated.
The decision regarding opening of primary schools will be taken in consultation with expert committee, he said.
After his visit to the Nirmala Rani High School, he said that the State Government has taken a firm decision regarding opening the schools.
The Government is concerned about the children's health even while ensuring that their education does not suffer, he said.
Bommai said the schools should also conduct health check-up along with following Covid norms. Supplements must be provided if malnutrition is found, he said.
Learning is a constant process
Addressing the students, the Chief Minister said the 21st century is an era of knowledge.
“Learning is a constant process and we are students throughout our lives. If schools give exams after teaching, life puts us through exams first and then teaches the lesson. We must learn to think logically and ask why, what, where and how. These questions are the success mantra,’’ the Chief Minister said.
He said the students are our future and the New Education Policy has opened whole lot of opportunities.
The Chief Minister advised children to take care of their health.
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister received grievances from the public at his residence.
CM launches NEP helpline
The Chief Minister launched the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 helpline to assist in its implementation and also inaugurated the Higher Education Admission programmes at a function held in Vidhana Soudha.
NEP Policy Implementation Committee chairman Dr K Kasturirangan was felicitated on the occasion.
Incidentally, Bommai has directed all his cabinet colleagues to visit the schools and colleges in the districts entrusted to them and oversee the arrangements for reopening of the physical classes.