Tuesday, 24 June 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Karnataka - Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, Karnataka will implement an AI-powered facial recognition attendance system across all government and aided schools under the ‘Nirantara’ programme
Published Jun 24, 2025 | 8:49 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 24, 2025 | 8:49 PM
Karnataka to roll out AI-based facial recognition attendance in schools
Synopsis: The Murudeshwar temple in Bhatkal, a prominent pilgrimage and tourist site in coastal Karnataka, has officially implemented a mandatory dress code to uphold the sanctity of the temple. In other news, Karnataka’s first dedicated “Spoke” center for stroke and neurotrauma care is set to open at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi
Amid rapid technological disruption and evolving workforce expectations, ISME recently hosted its Board of Studies meeting, bringing together academic leaders and over 30 senior industry experts from companies like Accenture, Infosys, JP Morgan & Chase, and Reliance Retail.
The focus was on aligning the PGDM curriculum with dynamic industry demands, emphasizing practical competencies in sales, data-driven decision-making, AI integration, and human-centered leadership. The deliberations highlighted a necessary pedagogical shift—preparing students not only for their first jobs but for lifelong adaptability in a changing world.
Dr. Nitin Garg, Director of ISME, noted that themes like sales-readiness, ethics, and cross-functional agility are already embedded in ISME’s curriculum, and the forum’s insights will help further sharpen its relevance. Dean Dr. Rony Kurien echoed this, reaffirming ISME’s commitment to building future-ready professionals through a flexible, digitally intelligent, and human-focused academic approach.
Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, Karnataka will implement an AI-powered facial recognition attendance system across all government and aided schools under the ‘Nirantara’ programme, announced in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s 16th State Budget. The initiative aims to track absenteeism and enhance transparency for over 52 lakh students in 52,686 institutions. A dedicated mobile application, integrated with the Students Achievement Tracking System (SATS), will be used to capture attendance in real-time.
The app employs an advanced vector-based facial recognition engine that converts facial images into secure, encrypted IDs to ensure privacy. Data and software will be hosted at the Karnataka State Data Centre, Vikasa Soudha. The system will also aid in monitoring scheme delivery, including midday meals and distribution of shoes and socks. Following a successful pilot in Uttara Kannada, the Department of School Education and Literacy decided to expand the initiative statewide for more accurate and efficient student tracking.
The Murudeshwar temple in Bhatkal, a prominent pilgrimage and tourist site in coastal Karnataka, has officially implemented a mandatory dress code to uphold the sanctity of the temple. Men must wear traditional attire such as dhoti, kurta-pyjama, or panche, while women are required to wear sarees, churidars, or langa-davani. The decision follows a request made in December 2022 by the Sanatan Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and other Hindu groups. A signboard displaying the dress code has been placed at the entrance.
Karnataka’s first dedicated “Spoke” center for stroke and neurotrauma care is set to open at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi. This marks the beginning of a state-wide initiative to establish seven such centers, as announced in the state budget. KMCRI will serve as a regional hub for six to seven districts in North Karnataka, offering round-the-clock care and expert consultation for emergency stroke cases.
The government has sanctioned ₹12.87 crore for advanced equipment, including machines for thrombolysis therapy. Nearby hospitals can consult KMCRI specialists using CT scan reports, with treatment advice or transfers arranged as needed. The center will be managed in collaboration with NIMHANS and overseen by a committee of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists. With comprehensive neurology services under one roof, the center aims to significantly improve emergency stroke response in the region. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to inaugurate the facility in July.
