Karnataka govt spent Rs 6.2cr to train IAS, IPS aspirants; Only 4 of 892 cleared prelims
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government spent Rs 6.2 crore to establish coaching centres and train IAS and IPS aspirants from the Kalyana Karnataka region. However, only four out of 892 beneficiaries from the first batch in 2021-22 cleared the preliminary stage of the Civil Services Exam (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The government paid Rs 5.4 crore to hire four coaching institutes to train candidates across six districts and spent an additional Rs 83.2 lakh on a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 for each trainee.
This information was revealed by an internal audit of the IAS/KAS training programme implemented by the Kalyana Karnataka Human Resource, Agricultural and Cultural Society (KKHRACS). The audit was conducted by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority. According to the assessment report published in June 2024 and cited by Times of India on Tuesday, only 64 of the interviewed candidates (13%) opted to appear for the CSE, while the remaining 430 candidates (87%) did not attend the IAS exams for which they had received intensive training.
“About 36.8% of the sample size attended the training for the entire period. However, the accounts revealed that the stipend was disbursed to 85.2% of the trainees,” the audit found.
The study further identified several factors contributing to the poor performance, including limited access to online resources due to poor telecom networks. Training sessions were conducted in both online and offline formats while previously adhering to Covid protocols.
Trainees also highlighted issues such as a lack of smartphones, insufficient mobile data for lengthy training sessions, and subpar training content. “Some revealed that their target was KAS as they were convinced that the training for the UPSC exam would yield positive results in the KPSC exam,” the study stated, as cited by the news outlet.
The study mentioned that 69% of the trainees wrote other competitive exams, with nearly 17% successfully clearing those, despite the training being specifically aimed to excel in IAS/IPS.
Based on the findings, the evaluation authority recommended that the government conduct these training programs regularly over a longer duration to improve success rates. They also suggested increasing the monthly stipend and ensuring timely payments, taking into account inflation and rising living costs.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
