The dream of a dedicated pre-university college building for Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba's school in Harekala, Mangaluru, remains unfulfilled. Despite government sanction for the PU college at the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat High School, the institute has been operating without its own premises since classes commenced for the 2024-25 academic year.
Classes Continue in Borrowed Classrooms
Currently, students of the first and second-year Pre-University Course (PUC) batches are holding their classes in just two classrooms of the existing high school. This makeshift arrangement highlights the pressing need for a separate infrastructure. The government had sanctioned 1.3 acres of land in New-Padpu, Harekala village, for this very purpose back in 2022.
A detailed proposal was prepared in June to construct a college building through the Public Works Department at an estimated cost of Rs 5.3 crore. However, this crucial project has hit a major roadblock due to a lack of funds, leaving the college in a state of limbo.
Low Admissions and Funding Hurdles
One of the primary reasons cited for the government's reluctance to release funds is the low student enrolment at the PU college. Presently, the institute has only 24 students across both years, offering arts and commerce streams. In contrast, the attached high school thrives with over 200 students from classes 1 to 10.
Hajabba himself has voiced this concern, stating that increasing enrolment is an uphill task without a proper building. Mangaluru Speaker and MLA UT Khader, who has recommended the release of funds, acknowledged the issue. He pointed out that another institute in Deralakatte, with nearly 1,000 students, recently received Rs 2 crore for construction, suggesting Hajabba's college might be considered in the next funding phase.
Ray of Hope from Public and Private Sectors
While government funds are delayed, a silver lining has emerged from the corporate sector. Following requests from the previous Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner, Mullai Muhilan, several entities have expressed willingness to support the cause.
Public sector companies like MRPL, HPCL, and IOCL, along with the private PA College of Engineering, have come forward to offer financial assistance. This external support is crucial for kickstarting the project that Hajabba has tirelessly strived for since he first opened the school in a Madrassa building in 1999-2000.
The immediate requirement, as outlined by Hajabba, is a building with at least six classrooms and other basic facilities. The community and the celebrated social worker now wait to see if the combined efforts of government support and corporate social responsibility will finally give the village its long-awaited PU college building.
