Speaker U T Khader advocates for ‘School of Governance’ for political training in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader again mooted the idea of establishing a School of Governance in the state for political training.

He was speaking at the conclusion of State Level Model Assembly Session Competition-2024 organized by Karnataka Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reform for law students at Vikasa Soudha on Tuesday.

Khader underscored the importance of equipping aspiring politicians with the necessary skills and knowledge through formal education, akin to other professional fields. While colleges and universities exist for various fields like medicine, engineering, and law, there is a notable absence of a dedicated education system for those aspiring to become proficient politicians. Consequently, the leaders of both legislative bodies have proposed the establishment of schools of governance to provide specialized political training, he added.

Speaker Khader emphasized the importance of voter awareness and exercising the Right to Vote. He underscored that our Constitution grants voting rights to all individuals above the age of 18, irrespective of their education, gender, or economic status. He lamented the disparity in voter turnout, noting that while 90% of the less privileged segment of society diligently queues up to vote, many educated individuals, often clad in formal attire, abstain from voting.

Khader stressed the necessity of a universal understanding of the electoral process, asserting that solving prevailing issues hinges upon voters awakening to the importance of the democratic right to vote.

Reflecting on the challenges of managing legislative affairs, Khader humorously remarked on the difficulty of ensuring attendance and engagement among Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Ensuring school children’s attendance is relatively straightforward compared to maintaining the presence of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), he said.

“To address this challenge, we provide breakfast and lunch. In jest, I often suggest to my secretary to set up 20 beds in the House needed to meet the quorum after lunch, allowing MLAs a brief nap,” he said and added that MLAs must remember that they serve not only as representatives of their constituencies but also as stewards of state legislation.

In his address, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraja Horatti shared personal insights into his unconventional journey into politics, underscoring the importance of proper training and qualifications for political leadership roles. He advocated for initiatives to empower young individuals and instill confidence in assuming leadership positions, emphasizing the honor and responsibility associated with public service.

Horatti also pointed out that as long as monetary incentives influence voting patterns, the system will persist. He emphasized the necessity of honesty in politics, stressing the need for improvement. He criticized elected representatives who prioritize personal gain over the welfare of the state. He also advocated for efforts to restore integrity in politics.