Karnataka's education system is on the verge of turmoil, and journalist Rajeev Hegde sheds light on this issue in his article for Upayuktha News. He critiques the state government’s choice to abandon the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in favor of a three-year degree program, turning back the clock after just adopting a four-year honors degree. This decision, sparked by the State Education Policy (SEP) Commission, has thrown students and educational institutions into a state of confusion. When reading the article it remembers the ASER 2024 report, which shows that many students are struggling with fundamental concepts despite advancing through their grades. The article also highlights challenges such as board exam discrepancies and the Coaching scandal, which have eroded trust in the educational infrastructure. Although there are positive developments, like enhancements to mid-day meals funded by the Azim Premji Foundation, they are not nearly enough to tackle the underlying issues. Hegde points out that frequent shifts in policy, vague outcomes, and political interference could drive Karnataka's education sector into chaos, threatening its reputation as a prime destination for higher education. He emphasizes the urgent need for stable reforms focused on tangible results to rebuild trust and ensure quality education.
Keywords: Karnataka education crisis, NEP 2020 reversal, State Education Policy, ASER 2024, learning gaps, CET scandal, mid-day meal initiative, educational anarchy, policy flip-flops, higher education Karnataka
