Mandatory Kannada Class for MBBS Students? RGUHS to take call

Bengaluru: The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences(RGUHS), has yet to make up its mind on mandatory Kannada teaching, as directed by the state government, during the 1^st semester of undergraduate medical courses, to start on September 1, 2017-18.

Officials of RGUHS are still in a state of flux over teaching mandatory Kannada as directed by the Kannada Development Authority (KDA).

The recent syndicate meeting that took place deferred the matter without a comprehensive discussion despite it having been tabled.

Prof MK Ramesh, in-charge Vice Chancellor and Registrar Evaluation, RGUHS, told Express, “As it was an academic matter, the syndicate members felt it should be discussed during the Academic Council meeting, where principals of medical colleges will also be present. The matter will be placed before the Academic Council.”

Surprisingly, the RGUHS authorities have still to work out the level at which the language course is to be introduced and the place from where the texts for the course are to be procured.

“We are not sure if the university has to frame its own syllabus or Kannada Development Authority will prescribe it,” said Prof Ramesh. “In a week or two, the Academic Council meeting may be held. The recommendations will be subsequently placed before the syndicate at a special meeting. The university has also decided to write to the KDA seeking further clarity on the introduction of mandatory Kannada language,” he added.

Kannada classes have already commenced at VTU