'Let govt subsidise education for poor'

Come a new academic year, and confusion begins. Every year, just as the fee fixation process commences for professional colleges in the state, confusion lands both students and colleges in a state of panic as the government and engineering colleges lock horns and fail to reach consensus on the annual fee hike.

While engineering colleges this year had sought a 30% hike in the annual fee, the state government had consented for a mere 8% hike. In an interview with DH, M K Panduranga Setty, Secretary, Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges’ Association spoke about the way forward.

DH: There seems to be an issue every year at the time of admissions. Is there an alternative solution to this?

Panduranga Setty: The state government has assured us that a separate committee will be constituted soon to look into the challenges we face. Once this is done, the issue of fee hike will be looked into much before the next academic year commences.

Is there a long-term solution to address this issue besides having a committee?

The only way forward is that the state government should fund the education of such students who cannot afford education. The state must make allocations in the budget to provide subsidies like they did for farmers. If the current situation continues, the quality of engineers that Karnataka will produce will be very poor.

You had sought a 30% hike. The state, however, has gone by the Justice Shylendra Kumar Committee’s recommendation. Have you consented to this?

There was constant pressure from parents, students, the committee and the state government on us to agree to it. We were losing time and the counselling process had to commence within a certain time. Hence, we have agreed.

There is a large difference between what you had sought and what the state government has proposed. How will this affect engineering colleges?

Because of the government’s attitude, we will have to deny hikes and other facilities for faculty. With the recent budget, we have seen an increase in all essential commodities including fuel. This will also have a bearing.