Karnataka   

Kumaraswamy rules out opening more varsities

Staff Reporter

Says the quality of education will be adversely affected

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Government is considering putting an end to the establishment of new universities in the State, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the second hostel complex of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) here on Wednesday, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Government had been allowing the opening of new universities, which had more to do with gaining political mileage.

"Having universities in every other district will adversely affect the quality of education. Our Government will not sit quiet. I am seriously considering the suggestion of scientist C.N.R. Rao to put an end to the opening of new universities," he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Government would take up programmes to encourage basic sciences. One of the initiatives, he said, would be to give scholarships for about three years to students who opt for science at the bachelor's and master's level. The Government would also extend support to research institutes such as the JNCASR, which were conducting research in various subjects, including finding a cure for HIV infection. "The Government will also formulate programmes to give financial assistance to scientists in the next budget," he said.

Minister for Science and Technology Ramachandra Gowda said lack of interest among youngsters in science was a matter of concern. This was owing to the shortage of good science teachers, especially in villages. "There is a need to train teachers to teach in a way that will attract students," he said. Scientific Advisory Committee Chairman C.N.R. Rao said the Government should focus on areas other than information technology. It should work for the development of education, culture and basic sciences rather than thinking only about information technology and biotechnology. "The scientific community, including me, is ready to assist in this regard. The Government can make use of it," Dr. Rao said.

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