Govt PU college crunch dents higher education dreams in Belagavi

Caption: PU Board office in BelagaviBelagavi: With more than 50,000 students clearing the SSLC examination every year in Belagavi and Chikodi educational districts, the shortage of govt PU colleges in Belagavi district has emerged as a major hurdle to higher secondary education. A large number of students are forced to seek admission in private aided and unaided colleges, where high fees put education out of reach for many families. The state govt's decision to sanction only two new govt PU colleges has disappointed parents and students who have been demanding better access to affordable pre-university education.There are 70 govt and aided PU colleges in Belagavi educational district and 76 in Chikodi educational district. Among them are 63 govt PU colleges, including 31 in Belagavi educational district and 32 in Chikodi educational district. Every year, thousands of students from economically weaker sections gain admission to govt colleges. However, due to the absence of govt PU colleges in several areas and the high cost of private education, many students—especially girls—are being deprived of higher education. As a result, the demand for more PU colleges in rural areas has gained momentum.In the 2025-26 budget, the state govt announced the upgradation of high schools. Accordingly, approval has been granted to upgrade Madlur High School in Belagavi educational district and Nagarmanoli High School in Chikodi educational district. However, the decision to upgrade only two schools has triggered dissatisfaction among parents and students.Chandrashekhar, a parent from Chikodi, said that opening PU colleges closer to villages is essential to ensure higher education for girls and to provide quality, accessible learning facilities.Officials of the PU education department said a proposal was submitted to the govt to upgrade 10 government high schools in Belagavi and Chikodi educational districts into PU colleges. "However, only two PU colleges have been approved for the two districts," they said.Despite constraints, govt PU colleges are striving to provide quality education. Several institutions, including Bailhongal Govt PU College, have seen a steady rise in student enrolment. The PU Board offers daily online coaching for professional entrance exams from 8.30am to 10.30am. Zilla panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde has also initiated multiple measures to prepare students for competitive exams.MM Kamble, deputy director of the PU Board, Belagavi, said that of the 50,000 students passing SSLC every year, more than half seek admission to PUC courses. "Govt PU colleges can accommodate them, but many students and parents opt for private colleges due to various attractions," he said, adding that steps are being taken to upgrade eight to ten more high schools and start PU classes in the coming days.