Bangalore University split into three; Mysore varsity rocked by scams

One of the most prominent decisions taken by the State government pertaining to universities in Karnataka was that of trifurcation of Bangalore University.

After several years of deliberation, the trifurcation of the university came one step closer to formation this year. In July, the Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka State Universities (Amendment) Bill 2015. As per the provisions of the Bill, the university would be split into three with one varsity on the Jnanabharathi campus, one at Central College and another in Shidlaghatta taluk in Chikkaballapur district.

Presently, the university has over 800 affiliated colleges and with trifurcation and it is hoped the administration would become easier and efficient.

Irregularities
A major row that cropped up this year was that of several irregularities in Mysore University under vice chancellor  Rangappa. The VC has been under scanner for corruption and abuse of power.

A one-man committee headed by Justice Bhaktavatsala gave a report in this regard in which more than 10 cases of irregularities were proven. Based on this, the Governor has directed the officials concerned to initiate action.

However, the Higher Education Department is yet to take this forward.

Distance education
The distance education courses of both Bangalore University and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) saw trouble this year. The University Grants Commission had taken the varsities to task for not renewing their recognition every year as per norms.

The admissions had to be put on hold on for this reason, even as the existing students were put in a spot of bother over the validity of the degree courses they were pursuing. However, KSOU has now begun admissions for some of the courses.

Appointment of principals
A recent decision taken by Higher Education Minister T B Jayachandra in connection with the appointment of principals for more than 350 government first grade colleges puts an end to a four-year stalemate over the issue.

These appointments were put on hold owing to a case in the apex court. The State government will now go ahead with the appointments pending a decision of the Supreme Court.

This move is likely to boost the infrastructure and quality of teaching in these colleges which had taken a hit on account of vacant principal posts.