Decisions Centered on Student Welfare: Dy CM Shivakumar on K'taka's Closure of 9 New Universities

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Decisions Centered on Student Welfare: Dy CM Shivakumar on K'taka's Closure of 9 New Universities

Synopsis

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, announced that a Cabinet Subcommittee will prioritize student welfare while addressing the financial issues of the state's universities, leading to the closure of nine newly established institutions.

Key Takeaways

  • Cabinet Subcommittee formed to evaluate universities.
  • Decision made to close nine out of ten new universities.
  • Only Bidar University remains operational.
  • Financial concerns cited as primary reason for closures.
  • Students' futures prioritized by the government.

Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) "The Cabinet Subcommittee, created to assess the performance and fiscal health of the state’s universities, will make decisions that prioritize the interests of the state, universities, and students," remarked Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar on Friday.

While addressing the media near his residence in Sadashivanagar, Shivakumar answered inquiries regarding the financial status of the state’s universities and the subcommittee’s move to close nine newly established universities.

Sources confirmed that the Karnataka government plans to shut down nine out of the ten new universities inaugurated during the BJP administration, as only one was found to be fully operational.

When pressed about whether the government would proceed with shutting down certain universities if deemed necessary, Shivakumar firmly stated, "I will not be influenced by your words. Your attempts to elicit a specific response from me will not succeed. Do not try to manipulate me as you do with others. Our decisions will be made with the best interests of the state, universities, and students in mind."

He emphasized, “There is no personal agenda involved in this; the futures of the students are our top priority. Professors are hesitant to move to Mandya and Chamarajanagar due to worries about seniority and retirement benefits. Parents from these areas take pride in sending their children to study in Mysuru. We will evaluate the recommendations we’ve received and present them at the Cabinet meeting before disclosing further details to you,” Shivakumar explained.

In response to questions about the Cabinet Subcommittee’s findings regarding the financial conditions of the universities, he mentioned, "Previously, the law for new universities allocated only Rs 2 crore per university, with no land provided. In Mandya and Chamarajanagar, Mysore University was prioritized, which led to a decrease in admissions at other institutions.”

“An internal report on this issue was prepared and submitted to the Chief Minister. Following that, a Cabinet Committee was established under my leadership. We have evaluated the recommendations and had discussions, but we have not yet briefed the Chief Minister.

“Once we furnish him with the required information, we will present the matter at the Cabinet meeting and subsequently share the details with the public," Shivakumar asserted.

The state government intends to close nine of the ten newly established universities after confirming that only one operates effectively.

This decision was reached during the Cabinet subcommittee meeting led by Shivakumar on Thursday, where the topic was thoroughly discussed.

According to sources, the subcommittee has resolved to retain Bidar University as it is functional and boasts 150 affiliated colleges, generating substantial income.

Sources indicated that the decision to close the other nine, which have yet to commence operations, was influenced by the lack of land and funding required to build infrastructure for the new universities.

A minimum of 100 acres and a maximum of 200 acres of land is necessary for establishing each new university.

Launching each university will necessitate funds amounting to Rs 342 crore for operations, furniture, vehicles, and other necessities.

Reportedly, the universities in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Bagalkot, Maharani Cluster in Bengaluru, Mandya, and Nrupatunga are expected to be shut down based on this decision.

However, the government has opted to maintain Bidar University as it operates effectively and generates good income with its 150 affiliated colleges.

The committee also took into account the substantial funds required from the government to fully establish and manage the remaining nine universities.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai inaugurated nine universities in the state ahead of the Assembly elections on March 23, 2023.

“All the new universities inaugurated today are centers for future development,” Bommai had asserted.

“These types of universities are being established for the first time in the country. In the future, everyone will adopt the Karnataka model. In India, higher education typically refers to IITs, with admissions through CET. The children of Karnataka must have access to an education model akin to IIT,” Basavaraj Bommai stated.

Recent reports have revealed a severe shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff in public universities across Karnataka, with as many as ten lacking a single permanent employee in their categories.