KDA to Probe High Failure Rate in Kannada SSLC Exam

DHARWAD:

Alarmed by the large number of SSLC students failing the Kannada language paper, especially from government schools, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has announced the formation of a dedicated subcommittee to study the issue and recommend remedial measures.

Addressing the media after a review meeting on Kannada implementation in governance, KDA Chairman Purushottam Bilimale termed the situation "disastrous," revealing that around 750 students in the district alone had failed the Kannada paper. "The most distressing part is that the majority of these students are from government schools," he said.

The newly formed subcommittee will include Kannada scholars and primary school teachers who will examine existing teaching and learning practices for Kannada in schools. Their report, expected in three months, will form the basis for KDA’s recommendations to the education department. “This isn’t just about exam performance—it’s about the future of our language and culture,” Bilimale added.

On the broader language policy debate, Bilimale, speaking in his personal capacity, voiced support for a two-language system. However, he acknowledged the political hurdles in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, where national parties may not favor policies sidelining Hindi. In contrast, regional-party-led states like Tamil Nadu have greater flexibility in language policy decisions.

BOX:

On the upcoming State Education Policy (SEP), Bilimale said he had engaged with committee members Niranjanaradhya and Baragur Ramachandrappa. He expressed optimism that a two-language policy would be part of their final recommendations.