Those who are pursuing medical and engineering courses in Karnataka will have to study an additional subject of Kannada language from next year to help familiarise themselves with Kannada language, according to Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. They will also have to write an exam in this subject.
The Chief Minister announced this while replying to nominated member Doddarange Gowda during Question Hour in the Legislative Council. Mr. Gowda had earlier suggested that the Government introduce a paper in Kannada for 100 marks for the students of medical and technical courses in the State.
Mr. Yeddyurappa also agreed to the suggestion by Congress member M.V. Rajasekharan to send a team of officials to Tamil Nadu to study the projects taken up by that State for the development of Tamil after it got the classical language status.
The Chief Minister assured the House of taking steps to translate important literary works in Kannada to other languages.
The Chief Minister announced that he would provide an additional allocation of Rs. 50 crore to the Tourism Department in the present financial year.
Mr. Yeddyurappa made this assurance in the Legislative Council when Congress member S. R. Patil sought additional funds to develop historical places in north Karnataka especially in Bijapur and Bagalkot as an important tourist hub.
Mr. Yeddyurappa made it clear that the additional funds would not just be confined to north Karnataka, but would be utilised for various projects throughout the State.
