Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 4: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation met Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Monday, submitting a memorandum opposing the state government's decision to close nine universities established during the BJP's previous tenure.
The delegation comprised MLCs N Ravikumar, Shashil Namoshi, Hanumant Nirani, and D S Arun, along with BJP Education Cell state convenor C B Shashidhar and co-convenors M G Bhat, Harish K, Raghavendra, and Ashwini Shankar.
Terming the decision as ‘unscientific, unconstitutional, and unjust’, the memorandum highlighted the adverse impact on rural and economically disadvantaged students. The BJP urged the government to reverse its decision immediately to safeguard the academic future of thousands of students.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka criticized the Congress government, suggesting they should ‘shut bars instead of universities’. Speaking at Vidhana Soudha on Saturday, he said, "The closure of universities will push students to migrate to neighbouring states for higher education. Instead of closing educational institutions, the government should focus on shutting down the 3,000 bars in the state."
Ashoka also pointed out the contradiction in presenting a Rs 4 lac crore budget while claiming an inability to allocate Rs 342 crore for universities.
Former deputy chief minister C N Ashwath Narayan warned that closing eight universities would hinder progress and negatively affect students' educational aspirations. He argued that universities were established during the BJP's tenure without additional posts, through efficient resource allocation.
Narayan cited 2021 statistics showing low college enrollment rates in districts like Chamarajanagar (10%), Mandya (15%), and Bagalkot (16%), compared to the state average of 33%. He emphasized that universities are institutions of education, not revenue-generating enterprises.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, urged the Congress government to prioritize education, recalling B R Ambedkar's focus on the sector. He criticized the government for presenting a hefty budget but failing to allocate Rs 350 crore for education.
The decision to close the universities was made during a Cabinet subcommittee meeting led by deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on February 13.