In a significant move, Congress MLA Priyank Kharge, who recently took the oath as a minister in a grand ceremony, has announced his intention to review several “regressive” laws and academic syllabus in Karnataka. Kharge’s statement, made during a recent address, highlighted the need to revisit laws related to conversion, cow-slaughter, and academic curriculum to ensure the state’s progress.
“We will thoroughly examine the legal aspects of the hijab issue and make an informed decision. Data indicates that approximately 18,000 students have been excluded from schools due to a particular order. If the judiciary engages in legislation, it raises questions about the role of legislators. If our legislation is flawed, let the courts intervene. Any executive order, bill, or ordinance that hinders progress will be carefully reviewed to get Karnataka back on track,” stated Minister Kharge.
The minister specifically targeted the textbook revision, anti-conversion law, anti-cow slaughter law, and other laws introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during their tenure. Kharge emphasized that the decisions regarding these matters would be made with the best interests of the state’s economic prosperity and the welfare of Kannadigas in mind.
The controversial textbook revision, spearheaded by former school education minister BC Nagesh, faced significant criticism from opposition leaders and prominent academicians who claimed it promoted a perceived “saffronization” of the curriculum.
In a recent development, a group of academic and educational experts penned a letter to the Chief Minister, urging legal action against panel members involved in the textbook revision process. The controversial head of the panel, Rohith Chakrathirtha, was specifically mentioned in the letter. The group, led by VP Niranjanarayadhya, expressed their concerns and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.