Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil Orders Closure of Colleges with Poor Infrastructure

Karnataka Cracks Down on Substandard Para-Medical Colleges

Minister Orders Immediate Closure of Institutions Failing Quality Standards

Bangalore, March 27: In a decisive step to uphold the quality of para-medical education, Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, has directed officials to withdraw affiliations and shut down institutions that fail to meet infrastructure and teaching standards.

Major Deficiencies Found in Private Para-Medical Colleges

During a review meeting of the state para-medical board at Vikasa Soudha, officials highlighted significant shortcomings in several private colleges. Inspections revealed institutions operating in inadequate spaces with minimal facilities. In one case, a college had only a single microscope for hundreds of students, while another functioned without proper lighting.

Dr. Patil stressed the need for stringent action against institutions that obtain approval by projecting a misleading image but fail to provide quality education. “Many of these colleges charge hefty fees but fail to meet basic infrastructure and academic requirements. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he stated.

Large-Scale Impact on Students

Karnataka has 566 para-medical colleges, out of which 529 are privately run, admitting 22,256 students in the 2024-25 academic year. Private institutions charge an annual fee of Rs 20,000 for a three-year course, whereas government colleges offer the same education for Rs 8,500.

Further investigations revealed that over ten colleges had illegally transferred students to other institutions without the para-medical board’s approval. Several institutions also failed to provide essential teaching and training facilities, raising serious concerns about the quality of education being imparted.

Ensuring a Stronger Education System

Dr. Patil has instructed officials to take strict action. “Close down such colleges without hesitation. We must send a strong message that compromising on education standards will not be tolerated,” he asserted. At the same time, he assured that affected students would be accommodated in better institutions to safeguard their academic future.

Wide Range of Para-Medical Courses in Karnataka

The para-medical stream in Karnataka offers diploma courses such as Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), Medical Imaging Technology (DMIT), Health Inspector (DHI), Medical Records Technology (DMRT), Operation Theatre and Anaesthesia Technology (DOT & AT), Dialysis Technology (DDT), Ophthalmic Technology (DOT), Dental Mechanics (DDM), and Dental Hygiene (DDH). Graduates from these programs play a crucial role in hospitals, medical and dental colleges, primary health centers, and clinical laboratories at the district and taluk levels.

This crackdown aims to ensure that students receive proper training and maintain the high standards required for a career in healthcare.

The review meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Mohammed Mohsin, Director of Medical Education Dr. B.L. Sujatha Rathod, and Special Officer of the Para-Medical Board Dr. Vijay Kumar, who briefed the minister on the findings and necessary actions.

Key Quotes:

1. Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil: “Education quality cannot be compromised. Institutions failing to provide the required infrastructure and training must be held accountable.”

2. Official from the Para-Medical Board: “We found colleges operating in cramped spaces, some without even basic medical equipment. This is unacceptable for healthcare education.”

3. Affected Student: “We paid high fees expecting quality education, but our college lacked even the necessary lab facilities. This action is much needed.”

4. Government Official: “Students affected by the closure will be accommodated in better institutions to ensure their education is not disrupted.”

Q & A Section:

Q: Why is the government shutting down these para-medical colleges?
A: Inspections revealed that many private institutions lack proper infrastructure, essential teaching aids, and even basic medical equipment, compromising the quality of education.

Q: How will affected students continue their studies?
A: The government has assured that students will be shifted to well-equipped institutions to safeguard their academic future.

Q: What are the common violations found in these colleges?
A: Colleges were found to be operating without proper classrooms, inadequate laboratory equipment, and some even illegally transferring students without approval.

Context & Background:

• Karnataka has 566 para-medical colleges, with 529 being privately run.

• Many institutions charge high fees but fail to meet educational standards.

• The government aims to ensure that students receive quality education in the healthcare sector.

• The crackdown is part of a larger effort to reform medical education and protect student interests.

#EducationReform #HealthcareEducation #QualityMatters #KarnatakaEducation #StudentRights