Karnataka State Higher Education Council vice-chairman SR Niranjan stated that the state govt is committed to the overall development of youth and has placed greater emphasis on skill-based academic programmes under the Karnataka State Education Policy.

He was speaking after inaugurating the national seminar on ‘Society of Cytologists and Geneticists – New Trends in Botany’ organised by the department of Botany, University of Mysore, on Thursday.

Niranjan noted that the policy stresses both the effective use of technology and the expansion of skill-oriented education. Undergraduate students now have the chance to study three subjects along with one more subject as an open elective, which widens opportunities for learning. He added that in the botany discipline, teaching should go hand-in-hand with skill development and more research activities.

He recalled that after Independence, India faced challenges of poverty, unemployment, and food shortage, to which botany has contributed significantly. The Green Revolution has helped overcome food scarcity. Similarly, the education system grew step by step, and today thousands of colleges and universities across the country are rendering valuable service, he said.

University of Mysore vice-chancellor NK Lokanath stressed that research should increase with collaboration and cooperation. With the world and technology changing rapidly, he observed, learning systems too must change accordingly. Students must pursue studies with adaptability, aiming not just for jobs, but also excellence.

Society of Cytologists and Geneticists president BHM Nijaligappa, vice-president MC Gowthami, and secretary GR Janardhan were present.