State-run universities in Karnataka are suffering from what can be described as “serious chronic ailments”, and the problems cannot be addressed with temporary remedies, Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar told the Legislative Council on Monday (March 16).

Raising the issue under Rule 330, BJP member Talwar Sabanna said State universities had become centres of problems, alleging that they were plagued by caste-based issues and corruption and that their overall functioning had deteriorated.

Supporting the discussion, Congress member Puttanna said the condition of universities had been worsening for nearly two decades. “All universities have reached a stage of decline and resemble sinking ships. For the government, they have become white elephants,” he said, urging that two or three days be set aside for a detailed discussion.

Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy demanded that nearly 14,000 vacant posts in universities across the State be filled at the earliest.

Mr. Sudhakar responded that if such issues had been consistently brought to the attention of successive governments earlier, the burden of addressing them would not have fallen entirely on the present administration.

No quick remedy

He said the rapid increase in the number of universities in the State had not been matched by adequate sources of revenue. “Universities are suffering from serious ailments, and such problems cannot be cured with a quick remedy. They require sustained treatment,” he said, adding that the government had begun taking corrective measures in phases.

The Minister said he was open to holding a detailed discussion in the House on the condition of universities, without party or ideological considerations. However, he added that members should be prepared to accept the decisions taken by the government after deliberations.

Mr. Sudhakar also informed the House that an inquiry is under way into the expenditure of about ₹11 crore on the printing of marks cards at Gulbarga University. He said similar issues had been reported at Tumkur University and Kuvempu University, and inquiries had been initiated.