Semester system at UG level may go

The state government is likely to scrap semester system at undergraduate courses in the state in view of large numbers of complaints regarding the failure of the varsities to implement the system effectively.

The state government has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of former vice chancellor of Kuvempu University Chidanand Gowda to study the matter. The committee is expected to submit its report soon.

Aravind Limbavali, minister for higher education told Business Standard at Dhar-wad on Tuesday indicated that the semester system may be scrapped. “We have received many complaints about the failure of Universities in effective implementation of the semester system. The failure on the part of Universities has affected the students adversely. I am waiting for the Chidanand Gowda committee’s report. Based on its recommendations the decision to scrap or continue the semester system from next academic year would be taken,” Limbavali said.

The minister said higher education would get more funds in the 11th Five Year Plan and the UGC has come out with a plan to fund model colleges in 21 backward districts of Karnataka. These colleges would get Rs 2.5 crore each as one-time grant from the UGC and the state government would provide the matching grant.

He also hinted to the government’s plan to bifurcate Bangalore University. When asked if too many varsities would not be a burden on the government’s exchequer, the minister explained that the UGC norms stipulated a maximum of 60-65 colleges under each University.

“We have a minimum of 150 colleges under the University. Bangalore University has over 800 colleges,” he said.