In what may boost education in Mysuru region, the academic council meeting of University of Mysore on Tuesday approved 11 first grade colleges, besides giving its nod to introduce post-graduate degree courses at 14 first grade colleges.

Of the 11 new colleges, five will be in Mysuru, four in Hassan and two in Mandya. The PG courses will start at highest of eight colleges in Mysuru, three in Hassan, two in Mandya and one in Chamarajanagar.

That apart, it was also decided to continue with the affiliation for 85 colleges in Mysuru district, followed by 40 in Hassan, 32 in Mandya and 18 in Chamarajanagar. The colleges were also permitted to increase admissions. The proposals submitted by Teresian Carmel Academic Society and Sri Chayadevi Vidyaniketan Trust, Mysuru, to start BEd colleges were also given consent during the meeting.

Earlier, the members deliberated over some of the colleges including SBRR Mahajana First Grade College not abiding by local enquiry committee rules. Prof C Basavaraju, Registrar, cited an example of a few private colleges which have remained nonchalant to several conditions imposed on them. It would be difficult to rein in them, if no timeframe was fixed in this regard, fretted Basavaraju.Director of Gandhi Study Centre Prof Lingaraju sided with Basavaraju, but pointed out that  same is the case with some of the government colleges. Some of the Centres have been functioning from past 15 to 20 years with temporary recognition.

The committee also decided to renew the affiliation of Vidhyashram College, but with riders, keeping in view the students interest. Similar decision was taken in the case of Seshadripuram Degree College, where the college principal is charged with dereliction in duty.

It was brought to the notice that the governor has stayed investigation against Vidyashram College. A request has been made to lift the stay.