BENGALURU: The newly appointed state primary and secondary education minister N Mahesh has said that his main focus will be on quality education. Talking to The New Indian Express after taking charge on Monday, he said that he had requested for this portfolio and he is happy that Chief Minister allotted it to him. Here are excerpts from the interview with N Mahesh.
Being an education minister, what are your priorities ?
Providing quality education is my top priority. There are many other things that need to be changed and I will strive to improve things in the department for better.
Are there any plans to request for change of officers at higher posts?
I have no such priorities. I will work with the existing officers who are all working hard for the development of the department.
Previous govt announced free education for girl students from Standard-I to undergraduate level. Will you take it up?
Yes. I will stress for free education for girl students and even the Chief Minister had said the same recently during his interaction with students. Providing free education for girls will avoid dropouts.
What is your opinion on introducing English medium in state government schools?
I have no objection in teaching English as a language. But I have not yet thought of teaching it as a medium at government schools.
What about filling up of teachers vacancies ?
Now, the code of conduct is in force. The order for recruitment of 10,000 teachers will be issued after June 16. As per my knowledge, over 22,000 teachers’ posts are vacant at government schools and we will try to fill them as soon as possible. As a temporary solution, we will be recruiting 15,000 guest faculties.