9 varsities to close due to financial constraints?

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Cabinet Subcommittee, formed to assess the performance and financial health of Karnataka's universities, will make decisions prioritising the state's best interests, along with those of the universities and students, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated on Friday, February 14.

Addressing the media near his residence in Sadashivanagar, Shivakumar responded to questions about the financial challenges faced by the state's universities and the subcommittee's decision to shut down nine newly established institutions. The Karnataka government has decided to close nine of the ten universities set up during the BJP government’s tenure after determining that only one was fully functional, sources confirmed on Friday. When pressed about the possibility of shutting down certain universities, Shivakumar firmly stated, "I will not be influenced by attempts to make me say something specific.

Our decisions will be made with the best interests of the state, universities and students in mind,” as per reports. Emphasising that student we l - fare remains the government's top priority, he clarified, "There is no personal agenda in this matt e r. Many professors are hesitant to relocate to Mandya and Chamarajanagar due to concerns about seniority and retirement benefits. Additionally, parents in these regions prefer sending their children to Mysuru for higher education. We will thoroughly evaluate the recommendations we have received and present them at the Cabinet meeting before sharing further details with the public." Regarding the financial situation of the universities, Shivakumar noted, "Previously, under the law governing new universities, only Rs 2 crore was allocated per institution, with no land provisions.

In Mandya and Chamarajanagar, the preference given to Mysore University led to a decline in admissions at other universities." He further explained that an internal report on the issue was submitted to the Chief Minister, leading to the formation of a Cabinet Committee under his chairmanship. "We have reviewed the recommendations and held discussions, but CM hasyet to decide".