Mangalore University’s decision to stop admission for its First Grade College opposed

MANGALURU: National Students Union of India (NSUI) Dakshina Kannada district unit has urged the Mangalore University to review its decision to stop admissions in its University First Grade College (FGC).
NSUI general secretary Sawad Sullia said the university’s decision to shut University FGC, which was opened in the university campus in Mangalagangothri in 2017, will deprive hundreds of students their opportunity to pursue higher education in the university campus.
“University’s decision to cancel the admission process for 2021-22 citing financial burden will affect many students. It is a huge loss for students, especially those from villages. Hence, the university should allow the college to function in the campus for the benefit of students,” Sawad said.
A delegation of NSUI Dakshina Kannada including district general secretary Austin Sequeira and Mangalore University unit president Siraj Gudru met P S Yadapadithaya, vice-chancellor of the University. The NSUI also has geared up to hold protests for the demand.
When contacted, Yedapadithaya told TOI that the government cannot sanction grants for the FGCs of the university.
"The government has asked the university to manage the college with its own internal resources.The government has sought a proposal from us to manage the FGC in our campus with our own internal resources. In fact, we have two such colleges, one in Nellyadi and another in our campus. It may require nearly Rs 1 crore per year to manage those two colleges. As per the Karnataka State University Act, a university has no provision to start FGCs. Since colleges have already been opened by the university, the government should now give a post facto approval. Otherwise, students who get admission will be in trouble. Hence, we have decided not to admit students for 2021and those who are studying in the college will be shifted to the nearby colleges of their choice,” the VC said.
While there are nearly 120 students in Nellyadi, the college in university campus has 250 students, he added.