Mysuru: Former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) M R Srinivasan on Sunday said that there is a need for transformation in educational system in the country.

Speaking after inaugurating the new hostel building ‘Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Vidyarthi Nilaya’, as part of the birth centenary celebrations of Shivarathri Rajendra Swami at Gangothri Layout here, Srinivasan said that the government-run educational institutions must be strengthened with necessary infrastructure to improve the quality of general education.

Pointing out that there is a quality deficit in education in the country, Srinivas felt education has not reached all sections of people in the country.

Srinivasan said private institutions offering quality education. However, they are not reaching the needy.

Though there are sufficient number of government-run institutions, the quality of education has declined. He recalled that standard of education in government schools and colleges were high decades ago and the teachers then were aware of their responsibilities and showed commitment towards their profession.

Srinivas stressed the need for providing conducive hostel environment for the inmates, so that they can concentrate on their studies and excel.

The facilities at the government hostels are pathetic, he lamented.

Srinivasan lauded JSS Mahavidyapeeta for its contribution and service towards the student community. The new hostel is a milestone, he said.

MLA Vasu recalled that in the years gone by, people knew about the importance of education and used to generously donate lands and funds. But, today that is not the case, he lamented. The MLA said, the mutt is serving the students, especially from rural background, by offering quality education, accommodation and food.

The new hostel is a five-storeyed building with state-of-the-art infrastructure, constructed on 4,028 Sq ft area, at a cost of Rs 8.5 crore. The building comprises 81 rooms and can accommodate 250 students.

Suttur seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami, former Director-General of Police (DGP) and JSS Prasada Nilayagala Hiriya Vidyarthi Sangha president L Revannasiddaiah, former vice-chancellor of Bangalore University Siddappa, corporator Prash- anth P Gowda and others were present.