Governor Gehlot's Call to Strengthen Higher Education Funding

In a timely intervention ahead of the Karnataka state budget presentation on March 6, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has called for significantly enhanced budgetary support for the state's higher education sector. Speaking at the Karnataka State Public Universities Vice Chancellors’ Conference–2026 held in Bengaluru on February 22, the Governor emphasized that public universities, constrained by limited internal revenue sources, require structured and special financial assistance to thrive. This appeal comes at a critical juncture as the state grapples with persistent challenges in faculty recruitment, infrastructure development, and boosting enrolment in government institutions.

The conference, organized by the Raj Bhavan in collaboration with the Higher Education Department and the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, brought together vice chancellors from across the state's public universities. Governor Gehlot highlighted the need to prioritize higher education in the upcoming budget to address long-pending vacancies and ensure holistic development of key institutions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who attended the event, acknowledged the severity of the issues, noting that 60-70% of teaching posts in major universities remain vacant due to recruitment delays over the past two decades.

Karnataka's Higher Education Landscape: Achievements and Gaps

Karnataka boasts one of India's strongest higher education ecosystems, with a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of approximately 36.2% for the 18-23 age group, surpassing the national average of 28.4% as per the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 data. The state leads in college density, with 66 colleges per one lakh eligible population—more than twice the national average—and hosts around 43 state public universities alongside thousands of affiliated colleges. Institutions like the University of Mysore, Bangalore University, and Karnataka University in Dharwad form the backbone, serving millions of students.

Despite these strengths, enrolment in government universities lags, with students flocking to private institutions despite higher fees. This preference underscores the need for improved campus facilities, skill-development programs, and overall quality enhancement, as noted by the Governor. The state's higher education sector aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals of multidisciplinary learning and research, but implementation faces hurdles like funding shortages and faculty deficits.

To explore opportunities, check out higher education jobs in Karnataka and higher ed career advice.

Current Budget Realities: Allocations Falling Short

In the 2025-26 state budget, education received about 10.8% of total expenditure, but higher education allocations have been criticized as inadequate compared to growing needs. Previous years saw cuts, with the 2025-26 budget reducing overall education spending by 2% from prior estimates. Specific grants for universities have been inconsistent, leading to unpaid salaries in places like Hampi Kannada University, where staff awaited payments for 11 months due to grant delays.

The Governor specifically urged funds to fill vacancies in niche institutions such as 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. Nationally, the Union Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs 55,727 crore to higher education, but states like Karnataka must bridge the gap through their budgets to achieve NEP targets like 50% GER by 2035.

The Faculty Shortage Crisis: 60-70% Vacancies Hampering Quality

A staggering 60-70% of teaching posts in Karnataka's public universities remain vacant, forcing reliance on guest lecturers and compromising educational quality. Out of 5,500 sanctioned positions, only about 2,000 are filled, with non-teaching vacancies at 69%. The CM revealed plans to fill 2,000 assistant professor posts across colleges and polytechnics, having already appointed 1,016 in 2024-25.

• Older universities suffer acute shortages, delaying research and courses.
• Newer ones operate without adequate staff, affecting accreditation.
• Guest faculty not formalized, unlike global practices.

This crisis aligns with national trends but hits Karnataka hard, given its high GER ambitions. For faculty aspirants, visit faculty jobs.

Photo by Chandan Chaurasia on Unsplash

Infrastructure and Campus Revamp: Beyond Funding

Besides funds, Governor Gehlot stressed campus improvements: cleanliness, greenery via 'One Tree for Mother', sports for well-being, and skill programs. Universities must update curricula for job-oriented courses and adhere to UGC timelines for credibility.

Infrastructure gaps include hostels, labs, and digital facilities, exacerbated by low state GDP allocation to higher ed (2.01%, below peers). NEP 2020 pushes for world-class infra, but Karnataka lags in execution due to fiscal stress.

NEP 2020 Implementation: Opportunities Amid Challenges

Karnataka is pioneering NEP rollout, first state to issue orders, focusing on multidisciplinary undergrad programs and research. However, challenges persist: funding shortages, faculty gaps hinder holistic progress. The Governor urged international collaborations and CSR funds to supplement budgets, aligning with NEP's global vision.

Recent NIRF rankings show Mysore University at #20 among state public unis, but overall rankings need boost via better funding.

Stakeholder Views: CM's Response and Expert Calls

CM Siddaramaiah committed to addressing shortages, questioning guest faculty formalization. Experts echo: NITI Aayog praises college density but flags quality issues. Activists urge 10% GSDP for education.

• Governor: Structured support essential.
• CM: Recruitment drive underway.
• Vice Chancellors: Discussed 18 issues like pensions, uniformity.

Solutions and Future Roadmap

To realize the Governor's vision:

• Increase budget to 6-10% GSDP slice for higher ed.
• Fast-track 2,000+ recruitments, formalize guest faculty.
• CSR and central schemes for infra.
• International tie-ups for rankings, exchanges.
• NEP-aligned reforms: Multidiscipline, skills focus.

Success here could model for India, boosting scholarships and career advice.

Photo by Jayanth Muppaneni on Unsplash

Implications for Students and Economy

Enhanced funding means better access, quality for 36%+ GER youth. Addresses unemployment via skills, research. Karnataka's tech hub status demands strong higher ed. Students, rate your profs at Rate My Professor.

Looking Ahead: Towards a Robust Higher Education Ecosystem

Governor Gehlot's proactive stance signals reform. With CM's backing, March budget could transform sector. Track updates via higher ed news, apply for higher ed jobs, university jobs, rate my professor, and higher ed career advice. Karnataka's future hinges on investing in its youth today.