Presiding over the Karnataka State Public Universities Vice Chancellors' Conference–2026, organized by Lok Bhavan in collaboration with the Higher Education Department and the Karnataka Higher Education Council in Bengaluru, the Governor emphasized that universities, having limited internal revenue sources, require special financial care and structured budgetary support.
Expressing satisfaction over the Chief Minister's participation in the conference, the Governor voiced confidence that the upcoming budget would prioritize higher education. He particularly stressed the need to permit filling long-pending vacancies in institutions such as Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Kannada University, Karnataka Janapada University, and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar School of Economics University, alongside ensuring adequate financial provisions for their development.
Strengthening Government Universities
The Governor stated that deliberations held during the conference reflected Karnataka's readiness to steer higher education in a new direction. He underscored the need to increase admissions in government universities and analyze why students prefer private institutions despite higher fees.
He emphasized strict adherence to academic calendars to ensure timely admissions, examinations, and declaration of results. Improved coordination between Vice Chancellors and Registrars, upskilling of academic staff, curriculum updates aligned with present-day needs, and introduction of job-oriented courses were identified as priorities.
The Governor also stressed improving campus quality, maintaining cleanliness, enhancing greenery, and actively implementing initiatives such as "One Tree for Mother." He encouraged promoting sports participation to enable students to represent institutions at district, state, national, and international levels.
Governance, Transparency and Compliance
The Governor called for strict compliance with Government of India and UGC guidelines within stipulated timelines. He noted that institutional credibility depends on resolving internal disputes democratically and maintaining transparency in financial matters. The Chancellor, he said, must foster harmony among stakeholders to avoid unnecessary inquiries and administrative disruptions.
He also encouraged universities to expand international collaborations for academic and student exchange benefits, enhance national rankings, and address faculty shortages and infrastructure gaps. Leveraging Government of India schemes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds was suggested as a means to bridge financial constraints, with support from the State Government.
Emphasis on Indian Traditional Attire
The Governor suggested that universities give preference to Indian traditional dress as uniform attire during annual convocation ceremonies to promote cultural heritage.
The conference commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana, and Naada Geethe. Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the conference.
In his address, the Governor reiterated that the conference aimed at strengthening Karnataka's higher education system and encouraged Vice Chancellors to contribute meaningful suggestions.
Key Discussion Themes
The conference deliberated on:
Integration of SSC syllabus elements into UG and PG curriculum, NET/KESET
Uniform Convocation Protocol and Chancellor's procedures
Financial discipline, pension management, and budgetary rudence
UGC and Government of India compliance, PhD admissions transparency
Uniform UG and PG fee structure
Faculty sanction, rationalization, and academic relevance
Implementation of action points from PM–Chief Secretaries Conference
CSR partnerships and resource mobilization
KTPP compliance and contract management
Leveraging Government of India schemes
Strict adherence to academic calendars
Implementation of national initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
Skill India Mission and industry-academia collaboration
Student grievance redressal mechanisms and Ombudsman appointments
International university collaborations and placement networking
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K.Shivakumar, Higher Education Secretary Khushboo Chaudhary, Commissioner of College and Technical Education Manjushree N. G., Vice-Chairman of the State Higher Education Council S. R. Niranjan, and other dignitaries were present at the conference.
