Upgradation of government colleges remained the prime focus of Karnataka’s budget 2024-25 in the sector of higher education. Karnataka’s chief minister Siddaramaiah presented the budget on Friday, which encompassed a slew of announcements directed at improving government-run higher education institutions.

Among them, he said that in the year 2024-25, Rs.250 crore will be allocated for upgradation of First Grade Degree Colleges and Rs.120 crore for the upgradation of Government Polytechnics and Engineering Colleges. The vacant posts of teachers will be filled up as per necessity and action will be taken to recruit physical education teachers.

Besides, constituent colleges of universities will be established in the district/taluka headquarters of Koppal, Bidar, Yadagiri, Raichur and Kalaburagi districts with the support of Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board.

Following a long-standing demand, the University of Vishweshwaraiah College of Engineering (UVCE) will be upgraded on the lines of IITs. This is estimated to cost Rs.500 crore. Siddaramaiah said that a grant of Rs.100 crore will be provided by the government for the same. Besides, resources for the development of the university will be mobilized through CSR funds and contributions from alumni. Mysuru Maharani Women’s Science College will be constructed at the cost of Rs.54 crore and the Maharani Arts and Commerce College

Citing that the focus rests on women empowerment and higher enrollment of women in higher education he said 30 Government Women First Grade Colleges and Government Women Polytechnics will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 30 crore.

Other highlights:

• Beru-Chiguru programme to facilitate alumni of Government Higher Education Institutions to contribute for the development of the institutions.
• Rs 10 cr corpus to encourage research and innovation among students and teachers. Fund will be used to provide technical and financial assistance to students and teachers interested in filing for patents.
• A mentorship programme by subject experts, civil servants and entrepreneurs for students of Government Polytechnics and Government Engineering Colleges called ‘Prerana’, will be started.

Also read: Karnataka Budget: Focus on enhanced learning and scientific mindset in primary education