In a significant development impacting higher education in the region, Mangalore University has formally approved the voluntary shutdown of 22 affiliated colleges. The decision was ratified during an academic council meeting held on Monday, prompted primarily by critically low student admissions and other operational challenges.
Reasons Behind the Widespread College Closures
The university's vice-chancellor, Prof PL Dharma, clarified that the principals of the affected colleges communicated their inability to proceed with admissions for the current academic cycle. They failed to attract the minimum number of students mandated for various courses, leading to the decision to suspend operations.
Consequently, the managements of these institutions opted for voluntary closure under Section 65 of the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000. While poor enrolment was the dominant factor, the VC noted that other undisclosed reasons also contributed to the managements' choice to shut down.
No Disruption for Current Students, New College Count
Prof Dharma assured that the closure decision will not affect students who are already enrolled and are midway through their programs. The university has instructed the closing colleges to continue providing all essential student services. This includes crucial functions like the verification of marks cards through their respective administrative units.
Following this mass exit, the total number of colleges affiliated with Mangalore University will stand at 167. This revised count comprises:
- 109 private colleges
- 32 government colleges
- 9 autonomous colleges
- 13 BEd colleges
- 4 constituent colleges
New Research Centre and Academic Upgrades Approved
The academic council meeting also heralded several positive developments. The governor, in his capacity as the chancellor of the university, has given his formal assent to the statute for establishing the Arebhashe Samshodhana Kendra. This research centre, previously sanctioned by the state government, can now commence its activities.
In a move to align with national standards, the council approved the integration of the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) into the university's curriculum. Furthermore, paving the way for global diversity on campus, the council approved the admission of foreign students for the 2025–26 academic year under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship scheme.
Looking ahead, the university has set a strategic goal to apply for NAAC accreditation next year, a step aimed at enhancing its quality assessment and national standing.
