Bengaluru: Karnataka govt has urged private schools to enter into a mentor-mentee relationship with govt institutions to help them perform better.At a meeting called at Vidhana Soudha Wednesday to discuss possibilities of how private schools can help public institutions, the school education department called “for an exchange of best practices”.Rashmi V Mahesh, additional chief secretary, department of school education and literacy, said: “We are looking for a mutual exchange of best practices. Whatever track record and experience you have, share it with us.”The proposal is to mentor around 5,000 govt schools, with 200-plus enrolment, 330 Karnataka Public Schools and 590 PM Shri schools. In the first year, 1,000 schools are being targeted. Rashmi Mahesh said 34,000 science students pass every year from PU, but only 14,000 make it to CET or other competitive exams. Can private institutions help govt schools in training for these exams?While govt schools have libraries and books, there is no instructor to help the child. Similarly with sports: there are grounds, but not enough sports teachers. Govt schools are also looking for guidance on training for competitive exams. With the multigrade system giving way to monograde, govt schools are also reeling under teacher shortage, she said.“Ultimately, we are looking for better learning, attendance and retention. Additionally, we also hope to have better results in competitive exams like CET, NEET and CUET and an increase in enrolment in the mentee schools,” she added.Chief minister DK Shivakumar admitted to poor quality of govt schools. “I am not generalising, but only 50% of teachers have commitment. This, despite paying them Rs 1-lakh salary. There is a shortage of over 40,000 teachers in govt schools,” he said.“Private schools have brought recognition to Karnataka. The quality of education and capabilities of their students are commendable. If even a part of these strengths can be extended to govt schools, it will help prevent students from rural areas from migrating to cities in search of quality education,” he pointed out.“I know the economics of schools. Providing four teachers will not be a problem for you. What was the situation 10 years back? There was agreement between me and the managements that I protect you and you stand with govt. There is also a pressure to control the fee structure,” he said.In coming years, govt will put more pressure on those getting free water, power and land in the state to support govt schools. “Your basic motto should be bringing rural govt school children to the level of your school children,” he told private institutions.