Education must promote rational, scientific thinking: CM

Udupi: Chief minister Siddaramaiah said that even educated people are falling prey to superstition. He stressed the need for education to promote rational thinking and scientific temper.He was speaking after inaugurating the Kisan Sabha auditorium and attending the 35th annual day celebrations of the Mahatma Gandhi Residential High School at Kukkundur, organised by the Kisan Sabha Trust on Wednesday.
He said that education without rationality and a scientific outlook cannot contribute to building a socially responsible society. "If education does not help us respond to social issues, it loses its purpose. Various schemes, including the guarantees, are implemented to ensure equal opportunities for all," he said.He noted that during his previous tenure from 2013 to 2018, 158 out of 165 promises made by the govt were fulfilled. Of the 590 assurances made during the 2023 assembly elections, 243 were already implemented. "The govt spends Rs 52,000 crore annually on the 5 guarantee schemes, benefiting people irrespective of caste and religion, and so far has spent Rs 1.2 lakh crore on guarantee schemes. Along with guarantees, the govt is also allocating funds for development," he said.Further, he said that honesty in politics is rare today. "Caste and social inequality deprived people of literacy and cultural advancement. As BR Ambedkar said, political freedom has no meaning without social and economic freedom," he said.Former CM M Veerappa Moily said education, hard work, and patience are the three pillars of success in life. He said the Mahatma Gandhi Residential School was established to benefit farmers and the poor, and provided free education to underprivileged students. He emphasised the need to nurture compassion and cultural values among children. Primary and secondary education minister Madhu Bangarappa said efforts will be made to ensure equal access to education for all, and that teacher recruitment was conducted with transparency. Social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa said the govt is prioritising education, nutrition, and healthcare.Karkala MLA V Sunil Kumar urged the chief minister to allocate funds for the ongoing construction of the Ambedkar Bhavan in Karkala, announce a special package for the Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka, upgrade Hebri Community Hospital to a taluk hospital, provide a dedicated building for a nursing college, and address issues related to construction materials and land.Uday Kumar Shetty Muniyal from Congress said widening the Agumbe Ghat road to 10m would boost development in coastal and Malnad regions. He also sought Rs 100 crore for development works around Varanga Basadi and proposed upgrading KPAS School into a smart school.Earlier, CM inaugurated Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavan built at a cost of Rs 6 crore.Mahamastakabhisheka A delegation led by MN Rajendra Kumar submitted a memorandum to the chief minister seeking funds for infrastructure development in view of the Mahamastakabhisheka to be held in Karkala in 2027. "The state govt will extend all possible cooperation for the Mahamastakabhisheka," the CM said.