Karnataka’s Revenue Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, has raised serious concerns about the diminishing value of traditional universities in the state, directly linking it to their alarming increase in number. “Once, there were just four universities in Karnataka. Now, with that number soaring to forty, their intrinsic value has significantly eroded,” he remarked, addressing queries about the recently established Hassan University.
Byre Gowda, also serving as the Minister in charge of the Hassan district, reminisced about a time when institutions like Mysuru University and Karnataka University in Dharwad enjoyed global recognition, fostering exceptional talent. He lamented that few, if any, modern universities in the state can now match such illustrious standards. “We live in an intensely competitive age. Merely holding a degree, even from a well-regarded college affiliated with a respectable university, doesn’t guarantee even an interview, let alone a job. Given this harsh reality, is it truly wise to establish a university in every city? What kind of future are we building for our students?” he pondered, highlighting the bleak prospects for graduates.
Furthermore, the Minister observed a distinct lack of interest among students in these newer institutions. He pointed out that many universities struggle to attract qualified faculty, primarily because staff recruited to certain locations, like Kolar, are often expected to remain there for their entire service period. “Highly talented faculty, especially those passionate about research, are simply not inclined to take such positions. This inevitably leads to a significant decline in educational quality,” he concluded, emphasizing the systemic issues affecting academic excellence.