Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister announced that nine out of the 10 newly established universities in the state will be shut down. (PTI Photo)
The Karnataka Congress government’s decision to shut down nine newly established universities, citing financial constraints, has triggered strong political backlash, with the Opposition BJP and right-wing student groups launching protests against the move. Critics argue that the decision will hinder educational progress, particularly in rural districts, depriving students of crucial learning opportunities.
The universities facing closure include Hassan University, Chamarajanagar University, Haveri University, Kodagu University, Koppal University, Bagalkot University, Maharani Cluster University Bengaluru, Mandya University, and Nrupatunga University. Out of the ten universities established in recent years, only Bidar University was found viable and will continue operations.
These institutions were set up during the previous BJP government’s tenure as part of its ‘One district, one university’ policy, which aimed to decentralize higher education and increase accessibility. However, the Congress-led administration has now deemed them “non-viable,” citing inadequate infrastructure and financial limitations as the primary reasons for their closure.
The decision, announced last week, has met with fierce criticism from opposition parties and student organizations. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a BJP-affiliated student group, staged protests condemning the move, accusing the government of jeopardizing students’ futures for political reasons. BJP leaders argue that shutting down these universities undermines efforts to expand higher education in Karnataka’s rural districts and could reverse the progress made in boosting the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER).
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who heads the cabinet subcommittee responsible for reviewing the universities, defended the decision, stating that it was based on practical considerations. According to him, only one of the ten universities was fully functional, while the others lacked essential resources such as land and funding. He assured that the government is committed to enhancing higher education in a sustainable manner and is exploring alternative measures to support students without overextending financial resources.
Former state higher education minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, who played a key role in establishing these universities, strongly criticized the move, warning that it would significantly impact Karnataka’s youth, especially in districts that have long struggled with access to quality education. He argued that while presenting the budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah spoke of fulfilling the aspirations of Dr B R Ambedkar and the Vachana poets, yet was now contradicting those ideals by shutting down institutions meant to provide quality education.
Dr Narayan also dismissed the Congress government’s claim of financial constraints, pointing out that during the BJP’s tenure, these universities were established without creating new administrative posts, instead reallocating existing ones. He further highlighted the disparity in college enrolment rates, noting that while the state average stands at 33%, districts like Chamarajanagar have rates as low as 10%. He warned that closing these universities would worsen educational inequalities and deprive thousands of students of essential learning opportunities.
He stressed that universities should not be viewed as revenue-generating entities but as vital institutions for societal development, emphasizing that it is the government’s responsibility to support and maintain them. The decision, he added, undermines progress in decentralizing higher education and expanding access to students across various districts.
With protests mounting and political opposition intensifying, the Karnataka government faces growing pressure to reconsider its decision and seek alternative solutions to address financial concerns without closing universities that serve thousands of students across the state.
