Students rally against college takeover by Bangalore City University, ETEducation
The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has written to the Department of Collegiate Education opposing plans by Dr Manmohan Singh Bangalore City University (BCU) to convert two historic government colleges into constituent colleges.
BCU reportedly sought detailed information on staff and finances of the Government Arts College, Bengaluru, as a precursor to taking control, with similar steps considered for Government Ramanarayana Chellaram (RC) College of Commerce and Management.
AIDSO and educationists warn this could severely affect students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. “Constituent colleges in other parts of the state charge 200–300% higher fees than government colleges. Government Arts and RC Colleges have long provided affordable education to poor, working-class, and rural students.
Conversion risks depriving thousands of students,” an AIDSO spokesperson said. The organisation demands that both colleges remain fully government-run and strengthened with adequate grants. It also urges a public assurance that no government college will be converted in the future.
Educationists stress that financially constrained universities may struggle to maintain quality education if more colleges are added. They recommend prioritising infrastructure development, filling vacant posts, and improving academic standards rather than administrative restructuring.
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