Mangaluru: In a significant development, most of the permanent teaching and non-teaching staff have opted to remain with Mangalore University (MU) rather than transition to the newly established Kodagu University. This decision comes as Kodagu University, created from MU’s departments, awaits full independence pending state government decisions on staff sharing.
Kodagu University, formed following an amendment to the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000, was officially established last September. It will eventually operate independently, but for now, MU staff face a choice between staying with the established institution or joining the new university. PL Dharma, Vice-Chancellor of MU, revealed that over 40 teaching staff, initially recruited for various MU colleges, were given the option to “Opt in/Opt Out” following the creation of Kodagu University. The majority have chosen to remain with MU.
One notable case is that of senior microbiology professor M. Jayashankar, who has been permitted to stay with MU until his retirement in about 18 months, ensuring continuity in the microbiology department, which currently lacks permanent faculty.
Reasons for staff preferring MU include its established status compared to the nascent Kodagu University, along with uncertainties regarding pension schemes and other benefits at the new institution. Raju Mogaveera, MU’s registrar, stated that MU will continue to assist Kodagu University with academic matters, including syllabus formation, for the next year.