The district unit of the All India Democratic Students Organisation (Aidso) in Dharwad has strongly condemned the state government's decision to discontinue several undergraduate courses in colleges across Karnataka. The organisation alleges that the move would weaken higher education and deprive students of opportunities.
Government Order on Course Discontinuation
Aidso district secretary Shashikal Meti, in a press release, stated that the government issued an order on May 21, 2026, to discontinue as many as 458 courses. The decision was reportedly based on low admissions to programmes such as political science, sociology, Kannada, economics, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
Aidso's Allegations
The organisation alleged that the decline in admissions stemmed from the lack of employment opportunities and the government's failure to fill vacant posts in various departments, especially in education. It claimed that more than one lakh teaching and non-teaching posts remain vacant in the education department alone.
Aidso criticised the government for attempting to shut down courses instead of generating employment and strengthening higher education institutions. It said the decision would adversely affect core subjects and weaken the academic foundation of public education.
The organisation also alleged that the government acted without consulting educationists, students, or parents, terming the move 'undemocratic and unilateral'. Further, Aidso accused the government of encouraging privatisation by promoting self-financed courses based on market demand while neglecting traditional disciplines.
Demands
The organisation demanded that the government immediately withdraw the order, protect core academic subjects, and take responsibility for creating employment opportunities for students.
