D.K. Shivakumar Assures Decisions Will Favor Students Amid University Closures
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Synopsis
On February 14, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar assured that decisions made by the Cabinet Subcommittee regarding the closure of nine universities will prioritize the welfare of students and the state. The government aims to focus on fully operational institutions like Bidar University, ensuring that financial conditions are addressed responsibly.
Key Takeaways
- Cabinet Subcommittee to prioritize welfare of state and students.
- Only one out of ten new universities is fully functional.
- Decision to close nine universities due to lack of resources.
- Bidar University will remain open as it is operational.
- Concerns about staff shortages in public universities.
Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Cabinet Subcommittee, established to evaluate the performance and financial situations of the state's universities, will make choices that prioritize the welfare of the state, universities, and students, stated Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar on Friday.
Addressing the media near his residence in Sadashivanagar, Shivakumar answered inquiries regarding the financial status of the state's universities and the subcommittee's decision to close nine new universities.
Reports confirm that the Karnataka government intends to shut down nine out of the 10 new universities launched during the BJP government's administration, as only one has been found to be fully operational.
When pressed about the government's potential plans to close certain universities, if deemed necessary, Shivakumar replied, “I will not be swayed by your words. Your attempts to elicit a specific response from me will be futile. Do not attempt to manage me as you do with others. Decisions will be made with the best interests of the state, universities, and students in mind.”
“There is no personal agenda in this matter — students’ futures are our priority. Professors are hesitant to move to Mandya and Chamarajanagar due to concerns over seniority and retirement benefits. Parents in these areas take pride in having their children attend school in Mysuru. We will review the recommendations provided and present them in the Cabinet meeting before disseminating further information,” Shivakumar elaborated.
In response to queries regarding the Cabinet Subcommittee's conclusions on the financial conditions of the universities, he indicated, “Previously, under the law governing new universities, only Rs 2 crore was allocated to each university, and no land was provided. In Mandya and Chamarajanagar, Mysore University was prioritized, resulting in decreased enrollments at other universities.”
“An internal report addressing this issue was prepared and presented to the Chief Minister. Consequently, a Cabinet Committee was established under my leadership. We have analyzed the recommendations and engaged in discussions, but have yet to brief the Chief Minister.”
“Once we provide him with the needed information, we will bring this matter before the Cabinet meeting and then release the details to the public,” Shivakumar noted.
The state government will proceed to close nine of the 10 new universities after determining that only one is operational.
This decision was reached during the Cabinet subcommittee meeting led by Shivakumar on Thursday, where the topic was thoroughly examined.
As per sources, the subcommittee has decided to retain Bidar University due to its functionality, with 150 affiliated colleges generating good income.
It has been reported that the decision to close the other nine universities stems from a lack of land and financial resources necessary to develop infrastructure for the new universities.
A minimum of 100 acres and a maximum of 200 acres of land is required for the establishment of each new university.
Funding of approximately Rs 342 crore is necessary for operational expenses, furniture, vehicles, and more for each university.
Sources indicated that the universities in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Bagalkot, Maharani Cluster in Bengaluru, Mandya, and Nrupatunga are likely to be shut down as a result of this decision.
Nevertheless, the government has opted to continue with Bidar University due to its operational status and significant income generation.
The committee also took into account the substantial funds required from the government for fully establishing and maintaining 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 opened today are centers for future writing,” Bommai stated.
“These types of universities are being established for the first time in the country. In the days to come, the Karnataka model will be adopted nationwide. In India, higher education is synonymous with IIT, and admissions are through CET. The children of Karnataka deserve access to an IIT-style education,” remarked Basavaraj Bommai.
Recent reports have underscored a severe shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff in public universities across Karnataka, with as many as 10 lacking even a single permanent employee in their category.
