The new time table that mandated government first grade degree colleges to start classes at 8 am has put the students to hardship.
The government first grade colleges in Chikkamagaluru district are situated in Chikkamagaluru, Birur, Kadur, Panchanahaalli, Yagati, Tarikere, Ajjampura, Koppa, Mudigere, Sringeri, Narasimharajapura, Kalasa and Sakharayapattana. As per the circular of the Commissioner of the Department of Collegiate Education, first grade colleges will now function from 8 am to 3.15 pm.
Students have been facing inconvenience in attending classes. It has become a challenging task for students in rural areas with less frequent transportation facilities to attend the classes at 8 am.
The number of students attending the first-hour class has declined drastically.
The new time table has been in force for the past one week. Of the 110 students in II Year BCom classes at the IDSG College in Chikkamagaluru, only 28 attended the first-hour class on Monday.
Theory and practical
Speaking to DH, Veena, a II year BSc student at the IDSG College in Chikkamagaluru, said, “I do not have a direct bus from Hirekolale to Chikkamagaluru. I have to travel in a jeep or an autorickshaw till the main road to catch a bus. In spite of it, I am unable to reach the college at 8 am. As per the new time table, I have practical classes on a few days at 8 am. If I miss my practical classes, I find it difficult to understand the theory.”
Shwetha of Final Year BCom said, “I have to catch two buses to reach college. I have to travel from Mudigere to Chikkamagaluru and take another bus to reach the college. Many a time, KSRTC Express buses do not stop for students who possess bus passes. It takes at least two hours to reach my college. The authorities should withdraw the new timetable.”
Shashank, a II Year BSc student, said, “I come from a village in Tarikere. To reach the college at 8 am, I have to start from my house at 6 am. Even breakfast will not be ready by 6 am. The time table has forced me to leave for college on an empty stomach.”
Students said a majority of these colleges are located in taluk headquarters and students from remote areas find it difficult to make it on time. Even the roads in Kalasa, Mudigere, Koppa, Balehonnur, Sringeri are in pathetic condition. Travel has become a nightmare.
M K Umanath, collegiate education regional joint director (Mysuru division), said he would collect information on the problems faced by the students through college principals and bring the matter to the notice of the Commissioner.
