Interaction on National Education Policy-2019

Mysuru: An interaction on ‘National Education Policy-2019’ was organised by School of Law, University of Mysore (UoM) and Mysore University Shaikshanika Sangha at the School premises in Manasagangothri here on Wednesday.

Speaking during the interaction, UoM Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar opined that a good infrastructure together with autonomy alone can enable State Universities to compete against Central and Private Universities.

He contended that fund crunch was also a big problem for State Universities unlike the other two who get funds from various sources. He pointed out that it is unfair to have the same parameters for ranking of all Universities.

Continuing, Prof. Hemantha Kumar said that out of 630 posts in the Mysore University, 320 are vacant. The annual expenditure is Rs.240 crore, but only Rs.127 crore was given by the Government as against the sought Rs.260 crore. 

Increasing the fees for courses would invite severe backlash from all corners. Restrictions on jurisdiction of a State University and opening of new courses unlike the freedom enjoyed by private Universities, make sustenance and progress virtually impossible for State Universities. Hence, a uniform law should be enforced on all types of Universities, insisted the VC.

Rashtriya Shaikshanika Mahasabha General Secretary Shivanand Sindhanakera opined that quality education for students would help national growth. He expressed displeasure over the proposed new policy to introduce semester system till PUC as it burdens the children depriving them of play and recreation. He hailed the allocation of Rs.10,000 crore in the new policy for research.

MLC Arun Shahapur opined that the new policy aimed to bring a uniformity in education throughout the country should be studied in depth before drawing conclusions. He observed that a few schools receive fees up to Rs.15 lakh and there are Government Schools offering free education and added that such a huge gap should not exist making education a business.

Director of School of Law C. Basavaraju, State Universities Teachers Association General Secretary G.C. Rajanna, Mysore University Shaikshanika Sangha Convenor Vishwanath and others were present.