Mangaluru: In response to Mangalore University’s (MU) appeal for government intervention due to financial constraints, the Department of Collegiate Education (DCE), Mangaluru division, has proposed merging three of the university’s four constituent colleges with nearby government-run institutions. The DCE has also recommended a direct government takeover of the Bannadka college in Moodbidri.

MU had earlier requested the state government to either formally sanction or fully acquire the four constituent colleges — located at Hampankatta (Evening College), Konaje (Mangalagangothri), Nelyadi, and Bannadka — all of which are currently run using university resources without official government approval.

A DCE delegation led by Joint Director Kavitha K R recently inspected all four campuses to assess feasibility. The team suggested:

  • Merging the Nelyadi college with the Uppinangady government first-grade college, as it lacks a permanent building and currently operates from makeshift classrooms in a shopping complex.

  • University Evening College, Hampankatta, started in 2015, may be merged with a nearby institution for better resource utilization.

  • The Konaje college, close to Mudipu government college, could also be absorbed due to geographic proximity.

    • In contrast, the college at Bannadka, established in 2021, was found to be more viable for direct takeover. Though it currently operates from a primary school building, it has basic infrastructure, growing enrolment (from 15 to 100+ students), and offers BA, BCom, and BCA courses.

    Kavitha noted that the DCE’s report includes both advantages and drawbacks for each institution and has been forwarded to the government for final decision-making.