The upgradation of three government high schools into pre-university colleges in Dharwad district has progressed no further than paperwork, leaving students struggling to find alternative options nearby. The state government had sanctioned PU colleges in Koliwad in Hubballi taluk, Devikoppa in Kalaghatagi taluk, and Veerapur in Dharwad taluk. The School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) had approved the opening of these colleges and was awaiting further directives from the government. However, those directives have yet to be issued. The upgradation was planned to ensure that children from rural areas have easy access to higher education. It remains unclear why the upgrade is still stalled.
Concerns Raised by SDMC President
Manjunath Dulikoppa, the SDMC president, told TOI that approximately 450 students were studying at the government high school in Devikoppa. The school recorded a 98% pass rate in this year's SSLC examination. He emphasized the necessity of starting a PU college in that area, stating that this school was an apt choice for an upgrade. "If this delay continues, rural children will have to stay away from higher education. The district's pre-university education department and the government need to take immediate action in this regard. Students are waiting for college admission as SSLC results are out already," Dulikoppa said.
Impact on Rural Students
According to Dulikoppa, there is only one government PU college in Kalaghatagi, and student intake increases every year. If a PU college starts there, many village students would benefit. Concerned students and parents have urged their elected local representatives, including the district in-charge minister, to pressure the government into starting the college immediately.
Official Response
SM Hudedamani, the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan deputy project coordinator at the DDPI office, told TOI: "Detailed information has been received from the respective SDMCs regarding the opening of PU colleges at three locations in the district, and a proposal has been submitted to the government."
