Hemagangotri, the postgraduate centre of Mysore University at Hassan, has the potential to become a separate university, especially considering the quantity of land it has at its disposal. When it comes to basic infrastructure, however, the campus falls behind many degree colleges in Hassan.
Teachers take classes in shifts as there are not enough classrooms. Although the centre came into existence more than 22 years ago, it is bereft of hostel facilities for its students. Students coming to Hassan from distant places have to look for rented accommodation within city limits and spend a lot on food and conveyance. In spite of repeated demands over the years, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has not allotted buses to help students reach the centre, which is about 6 km from the city on National Highway 75.
The centre, which was set up in 1992-93, initially started functioning from a rented building at K.R. Puram here. In 2000, it shifted to the new premises on a 78-acre plot on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway. Except a three-storey building and staff quarters, which has been converted into a temporary hostel for boys, the centre has no other infrastructure.
“Students arrive here from Chikkamgaluru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts, apart from Hassan. At present, 600 students are studying in 10 departments. They do not have any hostel facility. We have made temporary arrangements for boys on the campus. But, we are unable to provide such a facility for girls. Many girls quit the course because of lack of hostel facility,” said T.S. Devaraj, director of the centre.
When the centre was set up, only five postgraduate courses in Kannada, English, Electronics, Bioscience and Commerce were granted. This year, five more courses have been added, comprising History, Economics, Financial Management, Botany and Mathematics. “We do not have sufficient number of classrooms. Therefore, classes are held in shifts,” Prof. Devaraj said.
He said that Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University K.S. Rangappa had shown interest in developing the centre with additional courses and funds. “The university has provided nearly Rs. 1.5 crore for furniture and laboratories for the new departments. That is not sufficient because the centre needs more buildings. The State government has to sanction funds,” he said.
The centre has submitted a proposal to the State government seeking a grant of Rs. 30 crore to improve basic infrastructure.
“We submitted the proposal two months ago. I wish elected representatives of the district pursue the matter with the government in the interest of 600 students studying here,” he said.
