Karnataka sets aside reserved funds to teach Vedic maths to SC/ST students

The Karnataka government has decided to use funds from the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) to teach Vedic mathematics to SC/ST students in the state, triggering a fresh row.

Vedic mathematics classes will be held for SC/ST students in government schools in gram panchayat limits, from Class 5 to Class 8. According to Sidlaghatta block education officer’s note, 25 SC/ST students from each panchayat will be taught Vedic maths. A training session will be held for school mathematics teachers as well.

Karnataka | ‘Vedic Maths’ big political flashpoint | Vedic Maths to be taught in schools | Congress accuses BJP of ‘Saffronisation’@AabhaBakaya pic.twitter.com/Wnui8ZP7sm

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The SCSP and TSP funds are set aside for the development of SC/ST communities. Now, the government is using the same funds to teach Vedic mathematics. Various Dalit groups have raised their objection to the same.

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Meanwhile, the Congress has accused the BJP of ‘saffronisation’.

“It is saffronisation of textbooks. Is Vedic maths scientifically proven? If yes, bring it in the syllabus. Why bring it this way,” asked Congress MLA Priyank Kharge.

“The funds are from rural development and panchayat raj. What does that department have to do with education? Let them build school infrastructure. We aren’t against learning Veda and mythology. But don’t bring it into science,” said Congress MLA Sharath Bache Gowda.

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