Bidar: The State Government seems to be more interested in announcing the formation of new universities than in providing basic facilities to existing ones.

The Government has announced that a law university will be established in Hubli-Dharwad. It has also announced that it plans to set up a horticultural university. But the demand of the two-year-old Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Bidar for additional resources and infrastructure has not been met.

The university sought Rs. 50 crore "for implementing a comprehensive development plan." The Government sanctioned only Rs. 5 crore. When it sought permission to appoint 150 teachers this year, the Government allowed it to appoint only 60 teachers, that too over a three-year period. The Government is yet to sanction an additional 100 acres of land sought by the university to build hostels, staff quarters and a stadium.

The Government also announced that it would start a veterinary college in Shimoga this year. But the university is yet to get the funds and infrastructure needed to start the college, although 30 students have been admitted.

"The college will start on the Sahyadri College campus in Shimoga this year. The Veterinary Council of India gives a year's time to a college after it starts functioning to put in place the entire infrastructure required. We have to complete the college building within one year. We should also recruit staff and buy books and equipment. We also need enough animals for practical classes. The Government has to provide resources for all this," said a senior officer of the university.

University Vice-Chancellor R.N. Srinivas Gowda, however, said all steps would be taken to complete the building and start a fully equipped college by next year. "The Government has promised assistance," he said.

When contacted, Animal Husbandry Minister Revu Nayak Belamagi said the Government was committed to the development of the university. "We will release the funds that the university needs. We will also recruit teachers soon," he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail