Karnataka to develop 20 govt or aided colleges as 'model colleges'

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jun 28: In a novel initiative, Karnataka is planning to develop 20 government or aided colleges in the State as “model” colleges by upgrading infrastructure and standard of education.

Higher Education Minister R V Deshpande, who recently met Union Human Resource Minister Pallam Raju and Ministry officials, said the Centre has requested the State to submit a detailed proposal on developing “model” colleges in the State.

Speaking to reporters, Deshpande said colleges opened after 2002 would be identified and developed as “model” colleges with the financial assistance from the Central Government.

A sum of Rs 9 crore was proposed to be spent on developing infrastructure in each college, he said mentioning that the Centre would grant Rs 2.75 crore while the State government would bear the balance cost.

He said the Centre has requested the State to submit a proposal in detail on developing “model” colleges in the State.

The State government would also submit a proposal to the Centre on setting up of Indian Institute of Information Technology at Dharwad.

The State Government owned KEONICS would take part actively in developing the IIIT, the Minister said.

The vacancies in the government and aided degree colleges in the State was for the posts of 1100 lecturers and steps would be taken make recruitments through the Karnataka Public Service Commission.

On the issue of setting up of 20 private universities during the previous BJP Government, Deshpande said a three member official committee has been set up to monitor the availability of infrastructure and quality of education in private universities.

Based on the findings of the panel report, the State Government would take action against universities, he said.

On appointment of vice-chancellors to Visvesvaraya Technological University and Tumkur University, he said search panel has been formed for the VTU.

The committee would be formed to identify eligible candidate for the Vice-Chancellor of the Tumkur University, Deshpande said.

To a question on irregularities in the Karnataka State Open University, the minister said the KSOU has no right to open centres in other states.

The Principal Secretary of the Department has been asked to order an inquiry in to irregularities in the university.

Referring to bifurcation of Bangalore University, the Minister said a decision would be taken on the division of university after wide consultations with college principals, heads of various department and the other stakeholders.

The State Cabinet would take a final decision on the issue, he said.