Samiti urges Center to appoint Kannadiga as Vice-Chancellor of Central University

Central University of Karnataka. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Kalyana Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti has urged the Union government to appoint a qualified academician from Karnataka as the Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Karnataka (CUK) at Kadaganchi on the outskirts of Kalaburagi.

MS Patil Naribol, president of the Samiti, said in a release that the university, established in the educationally backward Kalyana region of Karnataka, is playing a significant role in strengthening higher education, research and academic opportunities. Mr. Naribol said the appointment of a Kannadiga with strong academic credentials and understanding of Karnataka’s educational environment would help the university to be more responsive to local needs and contribute to the development of education in the region.

He said a vice-chancellor familiar with Karnataka’s language, culture, socio-economic conditions and regional educational challenges could help shape inclusive academic policies, strengthen collaboration with state universities and colleges, promote research on regional issues and improve access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr. Naribol also expressed his strong reservations about appointing a vice-chancellor from outside Karnataka, saying a leadership with a deeper understanding of the state’s educational priorities could strengthen the university’s engagement with local communities and institutions. He stressed that the selection process should be based on academic merit, administrative experience and commitment to regional development, with due consideration given to eligible candidates from Karnataka.

Warning against the appointment of a candidate from another state, Mr. Naribol said that various organizations would start an agitation if the Center took such a decision. He urged the Union Government to appoint a qualified Kannadiga as Vice-Chancellor in the larger interest of the University and the development of education in the Kalyana region of Karnataka.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 19:06 IST