‘Revisions introduced by BJP (in textbooks) have to be changed… imposing ban on hijab was not needed’: Madhu Bangarappa

The required revision is already under way under the supervision of the Chief Minister. He (CM Siddaramiah) is being briefed on this regularly. In the interest of the future of the children, whatever has to be done to safeguard their education will be done

Q: How are you going to tackle the hijab controversy? Will you be overturning the government order on banning hijab? (The BJP government had in early 2022 banned the wearing of hijab in classrooms, which was challenged in court. On October 13, 2022, the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the issue. The case is now before a larger bench of the apex court.)

Bangarappa: We can’t change the government order on hijab just like that. We have to go by the law. The Law Department will fight for it and they will make a decision. All these years everything was going fine, (but) suddenly imposing a ban on hijab was not needed. They (BJP) really messed it up by politicising (the issue). Since the matter is under the judiciary (sub judice), I don’t want to comment much on it.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar with newly-inducted cabinet ministers during the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan, in Bengaluru, Saturday, May 27, 2023. (PTI)

Q: What are the main challenges before the state Education Department?

Bangarappa: Manpower in the department is good [adequate] but infrastructure needs to be improved. The department also has very good teachers. We have to give them trust and confidence to perform better. We also need funds to boost infrastructure. With our guarantees in place, how much I can infuse funds is a question, but I will fight for it.

Q: What plans do you have for the midday meals programme in government schools?

Bangarappa: Eggs will continue to be part of midday meals. I also have some expansion plans, (which are) under work. I will talk about it later.

Q: A lot of unauthorised schools have cropped up in Karnataka. How will you tackle this issue?

Bangarappa: It is true that a lot of schools are unauthorised and a lot of mishandling is taking place at the administration level. People are running from pillar to post to get things done. However, I don’t have much statistics on that (unauthorised schools) to talk about the issue (at present). I still need two months to settle down in the department.

I will review all financial difficulties for the department and come up with a plan. I will try to make the education department better than what it is today.