Karnataka Knowledge Commission

The Karnataka Knowledge Commission (KKC), also known as the Karnataka Jnana Aayoga (KJA), was set up in September 2008 for building a vibrant knowledge society in the state of Karnataka. The KJA was initially constituted for a term of three years. However, its term was extended in September 2011 by 18 months for the tenure to conclude in June 2013. The Commission is an autonomous body; for administrative purposes it is under the purview of the Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka (GoK). The KJA seeks to build excellence in the educational system of the state, promote creation of knowledge in all formal and non-formal knowledge institutions, improve the leadership and management of these institutions and enhance the use of knowledge for improving public service delivery by promoting inter-sectoral interaction and interface for knowledge creation, application and dissemination.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Member of the Planning Commission, is the Chairman of the KJA. The Commission consists of several members who are domain experts drawn from various national institutes, universities, civil society organizations and government departments. Members of the Commission are organized into various Working Groups, Mission groups Study Groups, Task Forces and Expert Committees to work on devising recommendations under six focus sectors:

  1. Literacy and School Education
  2. Higher Education
  3. Health Sector
  4. Vocational Education
  5. Libraries and Knowledge network
  6. Humanities, Social Sciences, Law and Management

KJA members held periodic consultations, meetings and brainstorming sessions to issue various recommendations for the improvement and enhancement of their concerned focus area. These recommendations were then forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office from where they were circulated to concerned departments for implementation. In total, the Commission has issued about 89 recommendations.

The Commission’s recommendations have taken the shape of research studies, policy suggestions and various pilot projects. By bringing together stakeholders working at different levels of the knowledge infrastructure of the state on a common platform, the ig.A. successfully acted as a catalyst to build on the capabilities of Karnataka’s education, health, skill development sector among others, to enhance its sustainability and create excellence in the domain.

Download File