Mangalore University Appeals for State Intervention on Stalled Projects
In a significant move to address financial challenges, Mangalore University (MU) has formally requested the Karnataka state government to take over two unfinished infrastructure projects: the International Hostel and the Belapu Postgraduate Centre in Udupi. This appeal comes as the university grapples with severe financial strain, hindering further development of these partially completed facilities.
Proposal to Repurpose Unused Infrastructure
Vice-Chancellor Prof. PL Dharma announced the submission of a detailed proposal to the state government, seeking a full takeover of both projects. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the fourth general academic council meeting on Tuesday, Dharma emphasized that this step is crucial to ensure the facilities are put to public use rather than remaining idle. He highlighted that the university has exhausted its funds and cannot proceed with construction independently.
For the Belapu PG Centre, which is approximately 70% complete with over Rs 11 crore already invested, MU has suggested converting it into a government engineering college. Dharma explained that this transformation would greatly benefit students in the region, as there is a notable lack of both government and private engineering colleges outside Mangaluru and Udupi town. This initiative aims to enhance educational accessibility and infrastructure in underserved areas.
Financial and Legal Hurdles Detailed
The International Hostel project, initiated about a decade ago, also faces substantial obstacles. Several crores have been spent, yet work remains unfinished. Dharma revealed that the university has proposed repurposing this hostel either as a hotel or as accommodation for government departments to maximize its utility. However, the project is entangled in a legal dispute over unpaid contractor bills, complicating matters further.
According to Dharma, the university owes Rs 38 crore to the contractor, but a court order has directed payment of Rs 80 crore, including accrued interest. This legal entanglement adds to the financial burden, making a government takeover even more urgent to resolve outstanding issues and prevent further waste of resources.
Broader Implications for Public Use
Dharma stressed that transferring these projects to the government would ensure the infrastructure serves a broader public purpose under direct state management. He noted that MU's financial difficulties have made it impossible to continue work, and this arrangement would help optimize the use of existing resources. By leveraging state support, the university hopes to transform these stalled projects into functional assets that contribute to regional development and educational advancement.
This request underscores the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in managing large-scale infrastructure amid funding constraints, highlighting the need for collaborative solutions between universities and government bodies.
