State-run universities in Karnataka are facing the imminent threat of losing critical funding under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Uchatar Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme due to the Congress Government’s decision to scrap the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state. This move has put several institutions at risk of missing out on crucial financial support, highlighting a contentious issue at the intersection of state and federal education policies.
The PM-USHA scheme, designed to bolster higher education institutions across the country, mandates adherence to guidelines set forth by the Union Education Department, including administrative and academic reforms outlined in the NEP-2020. However, Karnataka’s decision to introduce its own state education policy in lieu of the NEP has created a dilemma for universities seeking access to these funds.
Under the PM-USHA guidelines, universities are required to undertake a series of reforms encompassing administration, academics, accreditation, and governance, as delineated in the NEP-2020. These reforms include the establishment of an Academic Bank of Credits, provisions for flexibility in entry and exit, as well as initiatives like Samarth aimed at enhancing educational quality and accessibility.
The recent announcement of PM-USHA funding allocation, accompanied by a virtual inauguration by the Prime Minister, has left Karnataka’s six universities in a precarious position. Bangalore University and Rani Chennamma University Belagavi stand to lose Rs 100 crore each earmarked for Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU), while four others – Maharani Cluster University Bengaluru, Mangalore University, Dharwad University, and Kalburgi University – are at risk of forfeiting Rs 20 crore each designated for Grants for Strengthening of Universities (GSU).
Despite having submitted action plans to secure the initial instalment of these funds, university administrators are fraught with apprehension over the NEP clause jeopardising their financial support. A vice chancellor from one of the beneficiary universities expressed concerns, stating, “When we are grappling with resource constraints, funds under PM-USHA are a boon. However, we are anxious about being denied these funds due to the state’s decision to scrap the NEP.”
Another vice chancellor echoed these sentiments, emphasising the significance of the allocated funds, particularly for newly established universities. “Rs 20 crore is not insignificant, especially for a university in its nascent stages. If we lose this funding due to the NEP clause, it raises questions about alternative provisions from the state government,” they remarked.
This development underscores the complexities inherent in the intersection of federal and state education policies, with universities caught in the crossfire of divergent approaches. The potential loss of PM-USHA funds not only threatens the financial stability of these institutions but also raises broader questions about the implications of conflicting policy frameworks on the educational landscape of Karnataka.
In response to these challenges, stakeholders are calling for clarity and resolution, urging a concerted effort to reconcile state and federal policies to ensure uninterrupted support for higher education institutions. The outcome of this standoff will not only impact the immediate financial viability of Karnataka’s universities but also shape the trajectory of educational reforms in the state for years to come.
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