Jnanpith awardee U R Ananthmurthy criticised the government for its move to privatise the education and health sectors.
At a press conference on Monday, he said that in a democratic set-up, the government should think and work for the people’s welfare. If private universities come into existence, the poor and middle class cannot afford it. Similar is the case with privatisation of the health sector, he added.
“Though I have no faith in mutts, I do appreciate their contribution in providing education and meals to children without considering caste or economic status. People donate to mutts for such yeoman service,” he said. If the government permits private universities in the state, the concept of ‘Vidya Dasoha’ would take a back seat and vote bank politics will gain an upper hand, he added.