Karnataka CM Clarifies No Decision on University Closures Pending Sub-Committee Report

Synopsis

Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that the government has not decided to close any universities, pending a Cabinet Sub-Committee report. He addressed opposition concerns, asserting that no such decisions exist and urged for patience until the report is reviewed.

Key Takeaways

No decision on university closures has been made.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee report is still pending.
Concerns from the opposition were addressed by Siddaramaiah.
Only Bidar University will continue operations.
The situation has sparked significant controversy.

Bengaluru, March 14 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed the Assembly on Friday that no decision has been reached regarding the closure of universities, as the Cabinet Sub-Committee report is still pending submission.

In response to concerns from opposition party members, the Chief Minister questioned why the BJP is expressing worry before the report is even presented.

He explained that the Sub-Committee, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, was established to conduct a thorough review of the situation. The report has yet to be finalized, and once submitted, it will be presented to the Cabinet for deliberation.

Stating that there is no foundation for the assertion that universities will be shut down prior to the report's release, and that the government has not made any such decision, Siddaramaiah emphasized that the issue does not qualify for discussion under the provision of an Adjournment Motion since there is no urgent necessity to prioritize this matter over others.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka remarked that the Chief Minister's statements contradict earlier claims made by Shivakumar and Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar, who indicated that the government had resolved to close new universities and that the Cabinet Sub-Committee had already made a decision on the matter.

In response, Siddaramaiah reiterated that no such decision has been made, and that the report would only be addressed in the Cabinet meeting. He urged Speaker U.T. Khader not to entertain the matter for discussion under an Adjournment Motion as it is intended for more recent occurrences.

BJP member Basanagouda Patil Yatnal pointed out that the statements regarding university closures made by Shivakumar recently make it a pertinent issue. However, Siddaramaiah maintained that discussions could only occur if a decision is made, asserting that no decision currently exists.

BJP member and former Deputy CM C.N. Ashwath Narayan raised the topic in the house.

The alleged decision by the Karnataka government to close nine out of ten new universities established during the BJP's tenure, as only one of them is fully operational, has stirred significant controversy within the state.

Sources indicate that the universities in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Bagalkot, Maharani Cluster in Bengaluru, Mandya, and Nrupatunga are likely to be shut down following this decision.

Conversely, the government has opted to retain Bidar University, as it is fully functional with 150 affiliated colleges and is generating substantial revenue.

When asked if the government would consider shutting down certain universities if necessary, Shivakumar replied: "We will make decisions with the best interests of the state, universities, and students in mind.”

The BJP has asserted that it will not permit the Congress-led government to close nine new universities founded during its administration.