Exam integrity to mental health: Karnataka Cabinet panel to address Gen Z, student issues

In response to mounting student unrest and the rising influence of Generation Z as a political force, the Karnataka government has formed a five-member Cabinet sub-committee to tackle student concerns and propose nationwide educational reforms. The panel, tasked with delivering a comprehensive report on systemic student challenges, was established following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on August 21.

Led by Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader, the sub-committee comprises representatives from key ministries: Basavaraj Rayareddy (Higher Education), Priyank Kharge (Home, IT/BT, and E-Governance), Dr Sharan Prakash Patil (Medical Education and Skill Development), and Madhu Bangarappa (School Education and Literacy). The panel has been given one month to submit its findings.

The sub-committee's mandate includes addressing examination and recruitment integrity, the cost of education and fees, regulation of coaching centers, infrastructure and quality in public institutions, curriculum, skill development, and employment linkage, as well as mental health considerations. The panel is charged with preventing question paper leaks and malpractice, ensuring transparent, fair, and accountable examinations and recruitment processes, and establishing a fixed examination and recruitment calendar.

Additional tasks assigned to the panel involve developing policies to improve education quality in government schools, pre-university colleges, and universities, including addressing teacher vacancies and ensuring adequate laboratories, libraries, hostels, and other essential facilities. The committee will also focus on enhancing student mental health and well-being by exploring strategies to strengthen counseling and support systems, mitigate academic-related stress, implement suicide prevention measures, especially in coaching centers and hostels, and ensure appropriate support for students from SC/ST, OBC, minority, and first-generation learner backgrounds.

The Cabinet sub-committee will conduct extensive consultations with students, parents, teachers, institutions, and other stakeholders across the state, potentially involving subject experts in respective fields to assist in the process.