Synopsis
Karnataka BJP is determined to prevent the Congress-led government from closing nine new universities. Party leaders criticize the decision as unwise, advocating for a non-political protest to uphold educational opportunities for rural students.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP opposes Congress's plan to close universities.
- B.Y. Vijayendra leads the movement against the closure.
- ABVP is actively involved in the protest efforts.
- Financial constraints cited as reason for closures are contested.
- Protests are planned to defend rural educational opportunities.
Bengaluru, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has asserted that it will not permit the Congress-led administration to shut down the nine newly established universities from its tenure.
During a press interaction in Bengaluru, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra criticized this move as ill-advised on Friday, stating, “We must initiate a non-political protest against the plan to close these universities. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is taking this matter seriously, and the BJP will extend its full support. There is absolutely no question of permitting the closure of universities that were set up to enhance academic opportunities for rural students. We will organize a movement.”
On the same day, the ABVP conducted a round-table meeting with education specialists, senior officials, and public representatives. This discussion revolved around a report from the state cabinet subcommittee suggesting the closure of nine universities due to the government’s failure to allocate Rs 350 crore over the next five years.
Vijayendra condemned the state government’s decision based on this report as extremely foolish and unscientific.
The previous BJP administration had initiated these universities under the One District, One University framework. It is tragic that the current state government is prioritizing financial factors, which should not justify the closure of institutions that nurture the future of rural students. The state needs to reconsider this unwise action, he emphasized.
Participants at the meeting strongly opposed the proposal, labeling it as irrational and unscientific, Vijayendra noted.
He urged both political and non-political entities to unite against the closure decision, reiterating that the BJP stands firmly against shutting down universities that are crucial for the development of rural and underprivileged students.
In addition, the BJP leader announced plans for a significant protest against the government’s decision. The universities in question were established under the One District, One University strategy, and citing financial issues as a reason for their closure is an irresponsible action by the government. He called for an immediate reconsideration and withdrawal of this decision.
The state government plans to close nine out of the ten new universities after determining that only one is fully operational.
This decision was made during a Cabinet subcommittee meeting led by Shivakumar, where the subject was thoroughly discussed.
According to sources, the subcommittee has agreed to maintain Bidar University, as it is fully functional with 150 affiliated colleges and is generating substantial revenue.
It was reported that the decision to close the other nine universities, which have not yet commenced operations, stemmed from a lack of land and funding necessary for developing infrastructure for these institutions.
Sources indicated that the universities in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Bagalkot, Maharani Cluster in Bengaluru, Mandya, and Nrupatunga are at risk of being shut down as a result of this decision.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, when questioned about the financial state of the universities and the subcommittee's closure decision, stated, "The Cabinet Subcommittee, established to assess the performance and fiscal health of the state's universities, will make decisions that are in the best interest of the state, its universities, and its students."
Prior to the Assembly elections, former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai inaugurated nine universities in the state on March 23, 2023, emphasizing, “All these newly opened universities will serve as centers for shaping the future.”
