In a move that could jeopardise research initiatives of universities, the State government has directed universities henceforth not to set up or recognise research centres outside Karnataka.
It follows the recommendation by the Karnataka State Higher Education Council which took note that there was no uniform policy applicable to universities in the State in setting up or recognising research centres, sources said.
The council had recommended to the government not to allow other State universities to set up their research centres in Karnataka in view of a Supreme Court order.
Taking note of the recommendations, the Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, wrote to the universities last month, sources said.
Uniform policyThe letter said that some universities allowed setting up or recognising research centres through guidelines, while some through statutes. There was a difference in the assessment criteria. Hence, there was a need to pool the best practices in guidelines and statutes of universities and frame a uniform policy.
Sources said that when a university identified a research institute outside Karnataka, it identified some doctorate degree-holding scientists or teachers as guides for specific subjects or departments. Researchers pursuing doctoral degree registered with a particular university could do research under these scientists or teachers.
What next?So, what would happen to research centres already opened or identified outside Karnataka?
Sources said that Mangalore University has 13 such institutes as its research centres. They would face the risk of withdrawing the recognition though the university was yet to take a decision to this effect. The matter is likely to be discussed in the Syndicate meeting of the university on December 3.
Sources said that the university cannot withdraw the recognition without amending its statutes. The statute amended and approved by decision-making bodies would have to be approved by the Governor.
