Karnataka Government to Close Nine Newly Established Universities; Bidar University to Remain Open
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government has decided to close nine of the ten newly established universities from the BJP era, citing operational inefficiency, while Bidar University continues to function effectively with numerous affiliated colleges.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government shutting down nine new universities.
- Only Bidar University remains operational and efficient.
- Closure due to lack of land and funding for new universities.
- Each new university requires significant land and investment.
- Staff shortages reported in public universities across Karnataka.
Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has decided to close down nine out of the ten newly established universities that were initiated during the BJP administration, as it was determined that only one of them was operational, sources indicated on Friday.
This decision was reached during a Cabinet subcommittee meeting led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday, where the matter was extensively discussed.
According to sources, the subcommittee opted to retain Bidar University because it is fully operational, boasting 150 affiliated colleges and functioning effectively while generating substantial income.
It was noted that the choice to close the other nine universities, which have yet to commence operations, stemmed from a shortage of land and funds necessary for developing infrastructure.
Each new university requires a minimum of 100 acres and a maximum of 200 acres of land for establishment.
The financial investment needed to establish each university is approximately Rs 342 crore, which would cover operational costs, furniture purchases, vehicles, and more.
Sources revealed that the universities in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Bagalkot, Maharani Cluster in Bengaluru, Mandya, and Nrupatunga are likely to face closure following this decision.
Nevertheless, the government has chosen to continue with Bidar University due to its successful operation and the generation of income through its affiliated colleges.
The committee also took into account the significant funding requirements from the government necessary to fully establish and operate the remaining nine universities.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai inaugurated these nine universities prior to the Assembly elections on March 23, 2023.
“All the new universities that were opened today are the future-writing centres,” Bommai had proclaimed.
“These types of universities are being established for the first time in the country. In the future, everyone will follow the Karnataka model. In this nation, higher education is synonymous with IIT, and entry is through CET. The children of Karnataka deserve access to IIT-quality education,” Basavaraj Bommai stated.
Recent reports have highlighted a severe shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff in public universities across Karnataka, with as many as ten institutions lacking any permanent employees in their categories.
