Backward Classes Minister of Karnataka, Shivraj Tangdagi distributing prizes to winners of various competitions at Suvarna Soudha on Tuesday December 17, 2024. Photo Courtesy: PK Badigar
Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Shivraj Tangdagi on Tuesday (December 17, 2024) inaugurated 150 newly constructed hostels for college students in Belagavi.
Every year around 3 lakh students apply for hostels. Out of them, hostel facilities have been provided for more than 2.46 lakh students. The rest get financial assistance under Vidya Siri Yojana, the minister said.
After the virtual inauguration of the hostel, he addressed the students in a program held at Suvarna Soudh.
He said that more than three lakh students apply for hostel every year. Hostels have been arranged for 246,000 children, while support is being provided to the rest of the students under Vidyasiri Yojana.
“Most of the students who seek admission in the hostels run by the Backward Classes Welfare Department come from peasant, poor and labor families. They tend to work hard, use hostel facilities and reach higher positions in life. New entrants should take inspiration from them,’ he said.
The minister recalled his school days
He recalled his school days and said that he used to walk 4-5 kilometers a day to reach school. “Those who have experienced hardships early in life, know the benefits of hostel life. It is the aim of our government that everyone should be educated and students should study diligently and become responsible citizens,’ he said.
“Our government is reducing the burden of such students by establishing hostels in rural areas. “We are not only providing accommodation to the students, but also other facilities like a well-stocked library and online coaching,” he said.
He said that the Education Department is providing online coaching to more than 25,000 students of government schools and hostels for competitive exams. “These hostels have been providing quality food and other facilities. Students should make good use of it,’ he said.
Swati, who studied from the department hostel, said that it was easy for her to study higher because she had to stay. “I come from a poor farming family. Our parents could not afford to send me to school or college, it was far away. But the department’s hostel helped me and millions of students like me to continue my studies,” she said.
The minister distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions. He former Chief Minister D. Devraj Urs recalled his contribution in building infrastructure for the benefit of the backward classes. He had great concern for SC/ST, OBC and underprivileged classes including minorities. CM Siddaramaiah also shared the same concern, he said.
He asked the wardens, teachers and staff to give proper guidance to the students. If you do, the kids will remember you for the rest of their lives. “Similarly, it is the responsibility of students to remember the contribution of teachers, wardens, librarians, etc. to their success”, said the minister.
Regional Commissioner Sanjay Shettanavar, Backward Class Commissioner K. Srinivas, Co-Director CK Jagadish Kumar, BS Pradeep and others were present.
published – December 18, 2024 at 11:08 am IST