Education enthusiasts, activists, and locals are intensifying their efforts against Mangalore University’s alleged plan to close its constituent college located on the Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje. The University First Grade College in Konaje, Ullal, established in 2016 by then-vice-chancellor K Byrappa, serves students from nearby areas and poor backgrounds who would otherwise have to travel to the city for higher education.
The college also caters to international students and has seen better admissions than other constituent colleges of Mangalore University. Currently, it has 280 students, 25 teaching faculty, and three office staff. Writer and activist Ismath Pajeer, who initiated the campaign, highlighted that nearly 80% of admissions come from minority communities. The institution has enabled many girls, who once considered dropping out after pre-university education, to pursue undergraduate degrees and secure good jobs or continue their postgraduate studies.
However, the university is allegedly planning to close the college to protect the interests of private college operators. Six local panchayats have submitted a memorandum to vice-chancellor PL Dharma, and discussions with MLA and legislative assembly speaker UT Khader have taken place. Sources claim that the university has instructed not to admit new first-year students, potentially affecting future admissions and justifying the closure due to low enrollment.
The Konaje campus college operates without necessary statutory permissions and relies solely on university funds, with annual expenses amounting to approximately Rs 1 crore, while revenue from student fees is only around Rs 10 lakh. Raju Mogaveera, the registrar of Mangalore University, confirmed that the syndicate will make the final decision on the college’s fate, citing administrative and financial challenges.