Colleges which run on ideals, not donations

Apart from the cut-off percentages, admission seekers have also been found profoundly worrying about the astronomical sums of money that they have to shell out in the form of donations.

But leading as an example, the prestigious National College, Basavanagudi has been in the forefront of declining any capitation fee. “We do not accept any donations either in cash or kind. Our college aims at providing quality education at affordable prices to the marginalised and under- privileged students. The deserving students should not be deprived of higher education for the only reason that they cannot afford the fee or donation” said principal Prof H N Ambika.

Founded in 1945 by Prof H Narasimhaiah, Ambika states that it is the Gandhian values that guide the college towards providing education for all. Thus, the only donation that the college accepts is those received by the members of its alumni association. Further, she tells that many teachers of the college and good samaritans have also been sponsoring the education for the poor and needy students.

Transparent system

“I am pleased to be a part of an institution where there is no single owner and the management decides the fees. The admission system here is transparent and I have not paid any donation for joining the PU course here,” said Madan Kumar, who wants to join National College.

Half way across town, NMKRV college for women has also been involved in providing relief to the middle and lower middle class teenagers who aspire to study further. “Imparting the best possible education to the female child and making them self- reliant is our primary motive”, states K S Chandra, Principal of NMKRV college for women, Jayanagar.
“Donations are not welcome in our college. Infact, we encourage distinction- holders each year by presenting them silver medals, endowments and scholarships”, she adds. However, the College has been levying a management charge of Rs 6,200 on students who have been unable to secure a distinction in their SSLC. A fee that can be paid only by those who can afford. 

Bearing testimony to the fact, Samiya Kausar who wants to get into the EBAC combination in NMKRV college says that she was not asked for donations of any kind as she is providing the income certificate to the college and is also hopeful of receiving a scholarship.