University adopts austerity plan amid declining enrolments

Mangalore: Mangalore University is grappling with a serious financial crunch, prompting the administration to implement stringent cost-cutting measures to stabilize operations. In the 2022–23 academic year, the university reported revenue of Rs 63.06 crore, falling short of its budget by Rs 9.32 crore. The deficit persisted in subsequent years, with a shortfall of Rs 47.19 lakh in 2024–25.

Officials attribute the financial strain to declining student enrolments, as more students opt for autonomous and private institutions over traditional university programs.

Cost-cutting initiatives

Under Vice-Chancellor Prof Dharma, the university has introduced several measures to reduce expenses:

  • Adoption of an e-office system to cut paper usage
  • Installation of solar panels to lower electricity bills
  • Reduced water consumption across campus
  • Freeze on new appointments, including part-time faculty
  • Reduction of outsourced workforce (124 employees out of 460)
  • Departmental expense cuts of Rs 70,000 per division
  • Discontinuation of 40 telephone connections, saving Rs 40,000 monthly

These measures prompted the government to release pending pension funds, easing some immediate financial pressure.

Currently, the university employs 268 guest lecturers, 206 temporary staff, and 158 outsourced employees, with monthly expenditures—including salaries, pensions, exams, and hostels—totaling Rs 4.66 crore.

Course closures amid low enrolments

Despite serving 7,589 postgraduate and 69,804 undergraduate students, the university has experienced a gradual decline in enrolments. In response, several postgraduate programmes at University College, Hampankatta, will be wound up, including:

  • MA in Economics
  • MA in History
  • MSc in Chemistry
  • MA in Tulu and Konkani
  • PG Diploma and certificate courses in Yoga

The closures have drawn criticism, as these programs were aimed at providing higher education opportunities to students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Challenges ahead

Mangalore University, once a hub of academic aspirations, now faces the dual task of stabilizing finances while preserving its academic legacy. Officials say enhancing student enrolments, strategic resource management, and continued government support will be crucial to navigating the crisis and ensuring the university remains a leading educational institution.