7 new universities face uncertain times with not govt grants forthcoming

BENGALURU: Seven new universities started by the previous BJP government stare at an uncertain future now with no grants forthcoming. If the present Congress government does not release funds, these universities may find themselves in big trouble.

The previous BJP government had started seven new universities in Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Kodagu, Bidar, Haveri, Koppal and Bagalkot and had even named vice-chancellors, but had not released any grants. With no funds, these universities are finding it difficult to manage their administrative expenses, maintain the campus and are also facing a shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff.

Faced with uncertainty, the universities are pinning their hopes on the fresh budget to be presented by the Siddaramaiah-led government in early July. If no funds are forthcoming, these universities may even face closure.