MLA Manthar Gowda Fights Against Kodagu University Merger with University of Mysore | Mysuru News

MADIKERI: Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda of the Congress party has opposed the state government’s proposal to merge Kodagu University with the University of Mysore.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Kodagu University Welfare Association in Kushalnagar, the first-time MLA stressed the collective responsibility to ensure the university’s continued existence.
He highlighted the institution’s importance as a source of pride for the district and pledged to preserve it for the benefit of students. He also pointed out Kodagu’s high literacy rate and emphasised the need to develop the university to the standards of institutions in Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
Gowda stated that he had already discussed the matter with the Chief Minister and the Kodagu district in-charge minister, stressing the necessity of maintaining the university. He warned of attempts to merge the institution and argued that financial constraints alone should not determine its future.
To support the university, he assured that funds from the MLA development grant and CSR contributions from private organisations would be utilised.
He also proposed forming a district delegation to visit Bengaluru in early March to present the university’s status to the Chief Minister and the sub-committee. He urged that the efforts to protect the university should remain non-political.
Leaders of the Kodagu University Welfare Association, including K.S. Krishnegowda, V.P. Shashidhar, Napanda Muthappa, and M.N. Chandramohan, discussed the university’s significance and the potential difficulties students might face if it were merged with the University of Mysore.