While there is a craze for physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology among post-SSLC students at the pre-university level. Their only goal is of making it through the CET and from there to a professional course, like engineering or medicine. | |
| There is a steep fall of in the number of students taking up these science and mathematics at the degree and post-graduate levels in the recent years. |
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| With very few takers of science and mathematics at the degree and post-graduate levels, apprehension is growing on the future of these studies in universities and colleges, while engineering and medical colleges are continuing to mushroom in the state. |
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| The dwindling number of science and mathematics students may threaten scientific institutions engaged in R&D. Finding students with skill in science for these research institutions, both private and government, may become difficult, leaving scientific jobs vacant and research suffering, affecting technology also. |
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| Expressing this apprehension, former professor from IIT, Mumbai, M N Gopana says, "No doubt, scientific thinking is very essential but unfortunately the generation of top-ranking scientists is disappearing. We may not see Nobel laureates like C V Raman in the near future. Some research organisations might have to be shut down over time." |
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| While private institutions are spreading their wings towards engineering, medical, bio-technology and business administration, with falling admissions to science and arts, the response for science courses in government colleges is more affected, the shortage of infrastructure including teachers and lab facilities are only worsening the situation. |
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| "The situation is more pathetic in rural areas. We have a shortage of 37 science teachers in these government colleges," explains Mysore division's deputy director for PU education Srirangaraju." |
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| To top it, many of these government colleges do not have their own buildings or classrooms. One building becomes a primary or middle school in one shift and a college in the other shift. Let alone rural places, a city like Mysore, known as a centre for academic studies, has three such colleges, with no rooms. |
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| "In Vontikoppal adjacent to the professors' quarters, a college functions with no rooms," the deputy director cites an example for the pathetic situation of government educational institutions, adding, "these colleges are functioning in such conditions since 4-5 years." |
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| Realising the depressing scenario in science and mathematics studies, the Department of PU education and the National Academy of Sciences, are jointly conducting a one-day seminar on "Science & Mathematics - foundation stones of a strong India" here on August 6 at the Lakshmi Hayagriva PU College. |
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| "The main purpose of the seminar is to attract talented students studying at PU level to opt for science as their career. Around 300 science students, five each from 60 colleges, will attend the seminar," adds the deputy director. |
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