Karnataka CM Clarifies No Decision on University Closures; Awaiting Report from Cabinet Sub-Committee

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

In response to concerns voiced by members of the opposition in the house, the Chief Minister questioned why the BJP is displaying unease even prior to the report's presentation.

He mentioned that the Sub-Committee, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, was established to carry out a thorough examination of the situation. The report is yet to be delivered, and upon its receipt, it will be presented to the Cabinet for deliberation.

Stressing that there is no foundation for the assertion that universities will be closed before the report's release and that the government has made no such decision, Siddaramaiah stated that the issue does not justify discussion under an Adjournment Motion as there is no immediate urgency to prioritize this matter over others.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka contended that the Chief Minister's claims are at odds with the statements made by Shivakumar and Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar, as Shivakumar had previously announced that the government had resolved to close new universities and that the Cabinet Sub-Committee had already reached a decision in this matter.

In response, Siddaramaiah reiterated that no such decision has been made and that once the report is submitted, it will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting. A decision will only follow after deliberation in the Cabinet, he emphasized, urging Speaker U.T. Khader not to allow the matter to be discussed under an Adjournment Motion, which is meant for more recent occurrences.

BJP's Basanagouda Patil Yatnal asserted that since Shivakumar recently made comments about closing universities, this topic is indeed pertinent. However, Siddaramaiah insisted that discussions could only occur after a decision has been made, emphasizing that no decision is currently in place.

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

The alleged move by the Karnataka government to shut down nine out of the ten new universities established during the BJP administration, following the discovery that only one is fully operational, has sparked significant controversy within the state.

Reports suggest that the universities in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Bagalkot, Maharani Cluster in Bengaluru, Mandya, and Nrupatunga are likely to face closure as a result of this decision.

Nevertheless, the government has opted to maintain operations at Bidar University, as it is fully functional, has 150 affiliated colleges, and is generating substantial revenue.

When questioned about the possibility of shutting down certain universities if deemed necessary, Shivakumar replied, "We will make decisions with the best interests of the state, universities, and students in mind."

The BJP has vowed to prevent the Congress-led government from closing nine new universities established during its tenure.