Society must work together for development of government schools: Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda
Bengaluru: Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda emphasized the need for collective efforts to enhance the quality of education in government schools. He expressed hope that in the near future, government schools would become the preferred choice even for those currently enrolled in private institutions.
Byregowda made these remarks during the inauguration of a high-tech government senior primary school at Batarayanpur, which features 17 new classrooms, high-quality toilets, and a kitchen built at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore. The project was developed with the support of the CSR fund of Vidyashilp Community Trust and the family of businessman Anand Pai.
Highlighting the importance of providing quality education to all children, Byregowda stated that government school students should receive the same level of education as those in private schools. He noted that several government schools in Batarayanpur have been upgraded using CSR funds, resulting in facilities that surpass those of private institutions. This has led to a notable increase in student enrollment in government schools, he added.
"Another school built on the same model has been dedicated to the public, which is something we can take pride in," said Byregowda, calling for continued efforts to provide quality education and build a better future for children.
Addressing the teachers present, he noted that constructing large buildings alone will not improve schools. "Our work is meaningful only when we provide quality education to children. Teachers have a significant responsibility in this regard," he said. He expressed confidence that the teachers of the newly inaugurated school would contribute to shaping the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
The event was attended by businessman P. Ravindra Pai, field education officer Ramamurthy, Dr. P. Dayananda Pai, and other family members and dignitaries.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
