Panaji: Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who serves as the chancellor of Goa University, has requested a comprehensive report from vice-chancellor Harilal B Menon regarding the integrated five-year master’s degree programmes. These programmes were announced for the academic year 2026-27 without obtaining prior government approval.
Governor's Request Based on College Forum's Letter
The governor’s demand follows a letter from the forum of principals and representatives of managements of non-government colleges in Goa. A senior government official confirmed that the vice-chancellor must submit the details by the end of this week. Based on the report, the governor will review the matter and make a decision.
Background of the Controversy
Goa University decided to admit students who have passed Class XII into these integrated programmes, a move that has sparked friction with government-aided colleges. These colleges fear a further decline in student enrolment in existing undergraduate courses. The forum has been opposing the university’s initiative to start the new courses.
In its notification, Goa University invited applications for the programmes from April 28, 2026, to May 10, 2026. For each integrated course, 15 seats are reserved for candidates who have passed Class XII in Goa, while 35 seats are for students from other states. The university may revise the seat allocation. The annual tuition fee is Rs 40,000 for Goan students and Rs 50,000 for students from other states.
Government's Stance
On February 18, the directorate of higher education instructed the university to ensure that no such programme is introduced without prior government approval, citing potential cascading effects and financial burden on the government. The directorate issued this directive following a representation by the forum’s secretary regarding the proposed integrated UG+PG programmes.
Despite this, Goa University issued a notification on Tuesday to start nine integrated programmes in various disciplines after the academic council passed the proposal. The forum expressed concern over this decision and wrote to the governor on Wednesday, seeking his intervention.
Forum's Letter to Governor
“This development is in contravention of the directions conveyed by the additional director of higher education on Feb 18, 2026, addressed to the registrar, Goa University, wherein the concerns raised by the forum of principals were duly acknowledged,” the secretary of the forum stated in the letter to the governor.
The governor’s intervention is expected to resolve the standoff between the university and the government-aided colleges, which are worried about declining student numbers. The outcome of the governor’s review will be crucial for the future of these integrated programmes.
