Tue Feb 18 17:52:05 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka BJP MLC Criticizes Planned Closure of Nine State Universities

**SHIMOGA, Karnataka – February 18, 2025** – A BJP Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), D.S. Arun, has sharply criticized the Karnataka state government’s proposal to shut down nine universities established in 2023. Arun, speaking at a press conference in Shimoga on Tuesday, argued that the closure would severely disadvantage students in backward districts.

The universities were created to improve access to higher education. However, the government’s proposed closure, achieved through insufficient budget allocation, is seen by Arun as a betrayal of this goal. He pointed out that the state budget totals nearly ₹4 lakh crore, suggesting that even a 1% allocation to higher education would significantly improve the situation. He further criticized the Higher Education Minister for failing to visit and review the progress of these universities.

Arun highlighted a concerning trend of decreasing budget allocation for higher education each year, lamenting the lack of any meaningful debate on the universities’ status. The MLC’s statement underscores growing concerns about the state government’s commitment to higher education and its impact on students in less developed regions.

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