Educational Reform: Karnataka Appoints New Panel to Revise Textbooks in Three Months

The Karnataka government is taking a significant step towards educational reform by establishing a new textbook revision committee. This committee has been tasked with revising the state curriculum, focusing on first and second language Kannada textbooks for classes 1 to 10, third language Kannada textbooks for classes 9 and 10, and social science textbooks for classes 6 to 10. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of this development and its implications for the education system in Karnataka.

The Appointment of Dr. Manjunath Hegde

In a groundbreaking move, the government appointed Dr. Manjunath Hegde, a retired history professor, as the chief coordinator of the committee. Dr. Hegde brings a wealth of academic experience to the table, and his role is pivotal in overseeing this extensive revision process. Let's take a closer look at the key highlights:

• Appointment of Dr. Manjunath Hegde: Dr. Hegde's role as the chief coordinator.
• Composition of the Committee: A breakdown of the 37-member committee, including education experts and academicians.
• Timeline for Revision: Details on the three-month deadline for textbook revision.

A Controversial Past

In the recent past, textbook revision in Karnataka faced criticism due to political influences. During the tenure of the BJP government, there were concerns about saffronization and ideological biases in the curriculum. This section covers:

• Previous Controversies: A brief overview of the criticism faced during BJP's rule.
• Allegations of Saffronization: Details on the inclusion of controversial figures and right-wing ideologies.
• The Role of Dr. Hegde: How the new chief coordinator aims to bring a balanced perspective.

The Committee's Mandate

The primary mandate of the 37-member committee is to provide educational guidance and advice to the government regarding the revision of textbooks. Here, we discuss:

• Educational Guidance: The committee's role in shaping the future of education in Karnataka.
• Honorarium and Facilities: Provisions for committee members during the revision process.

Subject-wise Committees

The committee is organized into subject-wise subcommittees, each with its president. We provide a breakdown of these committees, highlighting their roles and membership:

1. First Language Kannada Textbook Revision Committee: Dr. Anjanappa, president, and 10 members.
2. Second Language Kannada Textbook Revision Committee: Dr. HS Sathyanarayan, president, and 10 members.
3. Third Language Kannada Textbook Revision Committee: Dr. Manjanna, president, and 4 members.
4. Social Science Textbook Revision Committee (Classes 6 and 7): Dr. Kiran, president, and 7 members.
5. Social Science Textbook Revision Committee (Classes 8, 9, and 10): Dr. Ashwathnarayan, president, and 10 members.

Inclusivity in the Committee

This year, the Congress government has made strides in inclusivity by appointing members from minority communities. We highlight this progressive move:

• Diverse Representation: The appointment of three Muslim members in the committee.
• Names and Roles: Introducing Waseem Anwar, Tabbasum Fathima, and Shaheena Alampura.

Recent Changes in the Curriculum

The Congress government has already initiated changes in the curriculum, including the replacement of certain lessons. We discuss these changes:

• Curriculum Modifications: An overview of the 18 changes made in Kannada and Social Science subjects.
• Inclusive Revisions: The replacement of a class 10 lesson with 'Story of Sukumara Swami.'

The formation of the textbook revision committee in Karnataka marks a significant step towards ensuring a balanced and inclusive education system. With the guidance of experienced academics like Dr. Manjunath Hegde and diverse representation within the committee, the state is poised to shape a curriculum that reflects a wide range of perspectives and promotes holistic learning.