Karnataka govt delays release of funds for state-level Prathibha Karanji

Mysuru: It might appear as though educational institutions, and programmes conducted for these organisations are not too high on the government’s list of priorities. After the state government announced that six proposed medical colleges would not be established across Karnataka, now funds for the state-level inter-school fete, Prathibha Karanji have been inordinately delayed, prompting the department of public instruction (DPI) to postpone the event.
Prathibha Karanji is an event wherein students from across Karnataka assemble in one place, and a slew of cultural and literary competitions are lined and conducted for students from cluster, block, district and state-levels. What sets this event apart is the infusion of local flavour – among other contests, recitation of Sanskrit verses, performing yogasanas, clay-modelling, et al makes Prathibha Karanji a unique experience for students. This year, the three-day event starting from Thursday was slated to be held in Mysuru. However, the delay in the release of funds for organising the event has resulted in this unique fare being postponed, much to the disappointment of students and schools.

“Mysuru was selected to host the state-level Praathibha Karanji. However, when the government did not release adequate funds for our district-level competitions, how can we go ahead with the state-level event?” asked a DPI official.

Stating that there was a lot of prestige attached to the event, the official added, “It is something all students look forward to eagerly. Securing medals in this event is a matter of prestige for all schools involved.”

An official in the Karnataka education department attributed the crunch in funds for schools and colleges to a wide range of reasons. “The funds allocated by the Centre for the state under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan have reduced. Added to this, the implementation of the farm loan waiver scheme has resulted in funds for other schemes being cut,” he added.

On the other hand, students opined that the government must ensure prompt disbursal of funds for Prathibha Karanji. “It is the most attractive platform for government school students. People recognise us for our performance in this competition. So, the government must ensure enough funds for Prathibha Karanji,” said Rakesh Rao, a student, who is also a singer from Mysuru.

“Prathibha Karanji district level events are postponed in 20 academic districts across the state. "Out of 33 academic districts, funds for the district level Prathibha Karanji are released only to 13 districts. Rest of the districts either the event is postponed or event is not proposed at all," said a senior official in the education department.

"In many places, the taluk level Prathibha Karanji event is also not organised due to the fund shortage," informed sources in the department of public instruction.