64% government schools miss out on AI push
The Education Department’s move to introduce Artificial Intelligence in 1,642 government high schools has sparked allegations of discrimination, as nearly 64% of schools are left out of the initiative. Of Karnataka’s 4,581 government schools, AI will be introduced in only 36% starting this academic year, with guest teachers being recruited at the district level. The department says the move aims to build 21st-century skills, problem-solving ability, creativity, technical knowledge and employability.
Five schools per taluk have been selected, with Rs 3.26 lakh allotted to each for AI-related equipment. However, many schools have outdated computers and no internet connectivity, raising concerns over whether the allocated funds will suffice to create the required infrastructure. Introducing AI as part of skill education, replacing the third language in these schools, has also raised questions about the fate of third-language teachers, who have been asked to move to nearby schools. With only one AI teacher per school, questions remain about how effectively the subject can be taught to students.
Education experts have questioned the timing and approach, pointing out that the government is simultaneously restricting mobile-phone use among children under 16 and seeking to reduce screen time, while introducing a subject that could increase dependence on digital devices. Most government high-school students lack computers or internet at home and may have to rely on smartphones to learn AI, potentially increasing digital addiction.
Malleshwaram residents’ I-day cleanup revives park
More than 40 residents and children came together in Malleswaram on Independence Day to clean, paint and revive East West Park, a neighbourhood park near Valmiki Park that had remained locked and largely unused for several years.The initiative was organised as part of the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s (GBA) ‘Freedom from Waste’ campaign, in collaboration with residents.
Over the years, the area around the park had turned into a garbage dumping and waste segregation black spot, leaving residents concerned about persistent waste, foul odour and the loss of a valuable community space.
The initiative aimed to go beyond a routine clean-up. Residents, children and GBA teams worked together to clear the premises, paint benches and walls, and restore the park for public use.
Government offices told to clean up
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda directed civic officials to issue notices to government departments that fail to keep their offices and surrounding areas clean, as the ‘Freedom from Waste’ campaign gathers pace across the city. He said all government offices must clear waste from their premises and ensure that cleared spots are not used for dumping again. So far, 10,056 metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste have been cleared from across the city, while officials and marshals have identified 3,022 dumping spots containing an estimated 59,823 metric tonnes of waste.
The minister also directed officials to strengthen monitoring at designated C&D waste disposal sites and provide marshals with basic facilities. At present, 54 tippers and 18 JCBs are being used for the clean-up, with more vehicles and heavy equipment to be deployed where needed. He also asked the civic chief to coordinate with traffic police to allow waste-clearing tippers to operate throughout the day, as restrictions during peak hours are slowing the drive. Cleaning of railway land has also not picked up as expected, prompting instructions for better coordination with railway officials.
Leave a Reply