Mangaluru
The Department of Collegiate Education (DCE) has announced a change in regulations for Post Graduate (PG) courses. The earlier requirement for a minimum of 15 students to enroll in a PG course has been revised. According to the new order, colleges can now conduct courses with only 50 percent of the university’s affiliation strength.
This decision follows protests by Master of Social Work (MSW) students in Dakshina Kannada, who opposed the previous rule that allowed only government or aided colleges to offer specializations if at least 15 students opted for them.
For instance, if a university’s affiliation is for 20 students, a course can now start with just 10 admissions. One college principal noted that the new circular offers hope by allowing courses to continue with half the required number of students. However, it was also mentioned that if a course runs for three years with fewer than half the required students, there is a provision to stop that course.
The Higher Education Minister stated that decisions on these matters are made by the board of studies. Meanwhile, the MSW students at Mangalore University expressed relief over the swift decision, stating that they are now more confident about their course options.
