Mangalore University Bifurcation Sparks Faculty Transfer Crisis
In Mangaluru, the bifurcation of Mangalore University to establish Kodagu University has created a significant administrative impasse, leaving dozens of permanent faculty members in limbo. Despite the official separation, which took effect in the 2025–26 academic year, the status of staff posted at institutions like Field Marshal KM Cariappa College and the PG Centre in Chikka Aluvara remains unresolved, fueling concerns over retirement benefits and operational efficiency.
Unresolved Faculty Transitions Post-Bifurcation
Officially, Mangalore University has been fully bifurcated, with Kodagu University operating independently since the 2025–26 academic year. However, a critical issue persists: permanent faculty members originally appointed by Mangalore University continue to serve in Kodagu without formal transfers. Many of these staff members have urged the state government to facilitate their return to Mangalore University, their parent institution, but progress has stalled. Kodagu University was announced in 2023, yet this transition has been marred by bureaucratic delays.
For example, Field Marshal KM Cariappa College, formerly a constituent college of Mangalore University, employs 28 permanent staff, including four non-teaching employees appointed under MU. Principal Major Raghava B highlighted that he and several colleagues have requested transfers but have received no response. "All of us have opted to move back to our parent institution as the college now falls under Kodagu University," he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Syndicate Meetings and Pension Scheme Concerns
The transfer of permanent faculty to their parent institutions has been a recurring topic at syndicate meetings, including the most recent session. If these transfers are not completed, staff face potential issues at retirement, as most are enrolled in the old pension scheme under Mangalore University, while Kodagu University follows the National Pension System (NPS). This discrepancy could jeopardize their financial security, adding to the administrative burden.
Additionally, colleges now under Kodagu University have not appointed sufficient guest faculty, increasing the workload on permanent staff. A source noted that this shortage exacerbates the strain on educators, impacting teaching quality and institutional performance. Meanwhile, some permanent faculty appointed for Kodagu colleges before the bifurcation have been deputed to Mangalore University's campuses in Dakshina Kannada, further complicating the staffing landscape.
Broader Implications for Higher Education
This deadlock highlights broader challenges in university bifurcations, where administrative oversight can lead to prolonged disputes affecting staff welfare and academic operations. The state government's intervention is crucial to resolve these transfers and ensure a smooth transition for both institutions. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders await decisive action to address the pension scheme mismatches and workload imbalances, safeguarding the interests of faculty and the integrity of higher education in the region.
