Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Sep 4: Mangalore University is grappling with a significant financial crisis, prompting the administration to implement stringent cost-cutting measures to ensure its survival. In the 2022–23 academic year, the university reported a revenue of Rs 63.06 crore, falling short of its budget by Rs 9.32 crore. Despite slight improvements in subsequent years, the deficit persisted, with a shortfall of 47.19 lac in 2024–25. The financial strain has been exacerbated by declining student enrolments, attributed to the growing preference for autonomous and private institutions.
Under the leadership of vice-chancellor Prof Dharma, the university has introduced several cost-saving initiatives. These include the adoption of an e-office system to reduce paper usage, installation of solar panels to lower electricity bills, and curtailment of water consumption on campus. Additionally, the university has implemented a freeze on new appointments, including part-time faculty, and is considering discontinuing courses with low student enrolment.
To manage expenses, the university has reduced its outsourced workforce by terminating 124 employees out of 460, cut departmental expenses by Rs 70,000 per division, and discontinued 40 telephone connections, saving Rs 40,000 monthly. The government, upon reviewing these cost-cutting measures, released the pending pension funds.
The university currently employs 268 guest lecturers, 206 temporary staff, and 158 outsourced employees, with monthly expenditures—including salaries, pensions, examinations, and hostel management—totalling 4.66 crore. Despite catering to 7,589 postgraduate and 69,804 undergraduate students, the university is witnessing a gradual decline in enrolment. Officials attribute this trend to the growing preference for autonomous and private institutions, which has further strained the university's financial health.
In response to low enrolments, the university has decided to wind up several postgraduate programmes at University College in Hampankatta, including MA in Economics, History, MSc in Chemistry, MA in Tulu and Konkani, and PG diploma/certificate courses in Yoga. The decision has received criticism, as these courses were started with the intention of offering higher education opportunities to students from poor backgrounds.
Once a hub of academic aspirations, Mangalore University now faces the urgent task of stabilizing its finances while preserving its academic legacy. Enhanced student enrolment, strategic resource management, and continued government support will be crucial for Mangalore University to navigate this financial challenge and secure its future as a leading educational institution.