‘Karnataka Jnana Aayoga’ (Karnataka Knowledge Commission) has recommended institution of a large number of fellowships for the professional growth of teachers. It has also pitched for 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, constituted in September 2008 under the chairmanship of former ISRO Chairman K Kasturirangan to evolve a roadmap to transform Karnataka into a vibrant knowledge society, submitted its final report to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar here on Monday. It has in all 89 recommendations, of which 17 had already been implemented. Except for a few, all other recommendations are under consideration for implementation. 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.
It has called for increasing public spending on drugs from the current seven per cent to at least 15 per cent of overall government expenditure on healthcare, and also develop an urban primary health policy to focus on multi-sectoral services.
Other recommendations included setting up a Karnataka Student Scholarship and Loan Authority to coordinate, disburse and recover scholarships and loans to students, and establishment of an independent academy for all issues relating to teachers of higher education.
Through its recommendations, the Commission has strived to enhance knowledge creation, application and dissemination in the State, Kasturirangan, also Planning Commission member, said.
“The work of the Aayoga 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.