Karnataka CM urges industries to boost rural education via CSR

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called upon industries to collaborate with the government, leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to enhance the quality of education and technology exposure for children in rural areas. Speaking at the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies and Industries Association Vision 2030 - CSR Summit, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of CSR in ensuring that rural students receive education comparable to their urban counterparts.

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We must remember former President Pranab Mukherjee, under whose leadership amendments were made to the CSR law during the UPA government's tenure. He gave the country a new direction. The objective of CSR is to ensure that we live not only for ourselves but also for others.

The state government has outlined a plan to develop 2,000 government schools through CSR initiatives, aiming to combat the migration of families to cities for better educational and employment opportunities. Shivakumar noted the significant number of vacant teaching positions in rural government schools and stressed that improving educational infrastructure is key to retaining talent in these areas. He referenced former President Pranab Mukherjee's role in amending the CSR law, highlighting its objective of fostering a spirit of shared responsibility.

Shivakumar encouraged IT companies to directly adopt and develop government schools, even allowing them to retain their brand identity by naming the institutions. Support can encompass providing computers, laboratories, vehicles, buildings, or other essential infrastructure. Companies can manage the construction directly, with the government facilitating land acquisition and necessary approvals. He cited examples like Infosys and Wipro, whose CSR efforts have been recognized, and expressed the government's commitment to encouraging such impactful initiatives.

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Companies can adopt and develop government schools while retaining their brand identity. Schools can carry the company's name.

"Contributing through CSR is not merely helping the government. It is an investment in society and in the future of our children," Shivakumar stated, urging institutions to support rural school development according to their capacity. He also proposed that urban students should gain firsthand exposure to rural life and agriculture, suggesting a mandatory curriculum component for university students to spend time in villages.

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Contributing through CSR is not merely helping the government. It is an investment in society and in the future of our children.