Mangaluru: Mangalore University (MU) has decided to recall its permanent teaching faculty currently serving at Kodagu University (KU), provided the latter issues a formal no-objection notice permitting their return. The proposal was discussed during a recent MU syndicate meeting amid continuing administrative uncertainty following the bifurcation that led to the creation of Kodagu University.
The decision comes after several permanent faculty members appointed by Mangalore University and posted to Kodagu University campuses reportedly expressed their willingness to return to their parent institution. However, procedural delays and ambiguity over administrative authority have prevented any movement so far.
Syndicate backs faculty recall
During the syndicate meeting, members agreed that the university should proceed with recalling its faculty once Kodagu University formally consents to their repatriation.
A syndicate member said confusion over the status of permanent teaching staff has persisted since Kodagu University was carved out of Mangalore University. The member noted that many faculty members have already conveyed their readiness to return, but the issue remains unresolved due to administrative hurdles.
According to the member, the syndicate unanimously supported the proposal to bring back the faculty if Kodagu University officials officially approve their return.
University seeks government clarification
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor P. L. Dharma said the institution has sought clarification from the Karnataka government regarding the transfer and status of staff currently working at Kodagu University.
He pointed out that while the faculty members remain on Mangalore University’s payroll, the university cannot take unilateral decisions because Kodagu University functions as an independent institution with its own administration.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that Mangalore University is awaiting a clear government position on the matter while respecting Kodagu University’s administrative autonomy.
Kodagu University cites technical and administrative issues
Kodagu University officials maintained that the issue cannot be resolved solely by either university and requires intervention from the state government.
Kodagu University Vice-Chancellor Ashok S. Alur said the return of permanent faculty members requires a government decision followed by consultations between the vice-chancellors of both universities.
He said that no official communication has been received from either the government or Mangalore University regarding the proposed recall. He also pointed to several technical issues that need to be addressed before any decision can be implemented.
According to Alur, around 32 permanent Mangalore University staff members are currently working across Kodagu University’s two campuses — the Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa Campus and the Postgraduate Centre at Chikka Aluvara. Of these, 28 faculty members are posted at the Madikeri campus.
Pension and service benefits raise concerns
One of the major concerns raised by faculty members relates to service conditions and retirement benefits.
Many of the permanent staff appointed by Mangalore University are covered under the Old Pension Scheme, while Kodagu University follows the National Pension System (NPS). Faculty members have expressed apprehension about possible complications affecting their retirement benefits if their employment status remains unresolved.
The uncertainty has prompted calls for a clear policy decision to safeguard the service rights and financial interests of affected staff members.
Growing workload adds urgency
Apart from service-related concerns, Kodagu University is also facing increasing academic responsibilities with limited guest faculty appointments.
University sources indicated that the growing workload on permanent teaching staff has added urgency to resolving the issue. A clear administrative framework is considered necessary to ensure smooth academic functioning while addressing faculty concerns.
The matter is now expected to depend largely on a government decision and coordinated discussions between the administrations of both universities. Until then, the future status of the permanent faculty members working at Kodagu University remains uncertain.