Mangaluru
A protest was staged at Mangaluru University (MU) in Konaje by an action committee of like-minded individuals, led by Left parties. They demanded that the government take over MU’s constituent degree colleges, Mangalore University Evening College at Hampankatta, and Government Degree Colleges at Konaje, Bannadka, and Nelyadi.
Activist Muneer Katipalla, speaking at the protest organized by the Mangalore University Constituent Degree Colleges Ulisi Horata Samiti, emphasized the neglect of government schools and colleges due to the influence of private institutions supported by elected representatives. He highlighted the need to strengthen government colleges to provide quality education to economically disadvantaged students.
Katipalla expressed concern over MU’s plan to potentially close these constituent colleges citing financial difficulties. These colleges were originally established by the university to offer affordable education to students who cannot afford private institutions.
Protesters submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah through MU Vice-Chancellor PL Dharma, urging the government to operate these colleges under the Department of Collegiate Education. Dharma explained MU’s financial crisis, delayed salaries for teaching staff, and the operational challenges faced by constituent colleges located in rented buildings.
