Mysuru: Former Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore (UoM) Prof. K.S. Rangappa, who is also the Vice-President of UoM Alumni Association, opined that Universities are ailing these days for want of Government funds.

He was speaking at the AGM of the Association at its office opposite Saraswathipuram Fire Station here yesterday.

Pointing out that the Association has been in existence since 1999, Prof. Rangappa said it was inactive for the past several years and it was revived after he became VC over a decade ago.

“There are instances where the Alumni Associations have set up Universities in foreign countries. But in our country, several Universities have become sick for want of Government support. Higher education in the country, especially studies and research in Science and Technology,  has been in shambles,” he rued.

Highlighting that we have to find a solution for this problem, he suggested setting up of a Trust for collecting donations from Varsity students who have settled abroad. The funds so collected, can also be used for distribution of scholarship for talented students, he added.

Stating that one of the members of the Association has brought a High Court stay on holding elections of its office-bearers, he advocated the need for maintaining unity by sorting out any differences between members. He said that polls will be held soon for electing 13 office-bearers, who will later elect the President and Vice-President.

Former Kashmir Varsity VC Prof. J.A.K. Tareen said that the Association members are like members of a single family. “Everyone should set aside their egos and work in an organised manner for the welfare of the Association and strive for the development of the University and its students,” he pointed out.

Association President Prof. S.N. Hegde, who is also a former UoM VC, former VCs Prof. Ramegowda and Prof. G. Hemanth Kumar, Syndicate member Chandrashekar and others were present.