Hostel allotment delay hits attendance, admissions in govt PU colleges

Mangaluru: Pre-university colleges in Mangaluru reopened a few days ago, but principals, especially from govt and aided institutions, say attendance remains low and admissions are moving slowly as govt-run hostels are yet to open and allot seats.Students from SC/ST and other backward community categories who plan to pursue PU education in Mangaluru, and are arriving from other districts, said their joining dates will be delayed because hostel allotments have not been issued, even though the application process began only recently.Vanita Devadiga, principal, Govt PU College for Women, Balmatta, said the college has admitted 450 students so far, against a target of 500. She said several students who have already secured admission, particularly those from districts in north Karnataka, have not reported to campus due to the lack of hostel allotment. “We expect them to be at the campus by June 1,” she said.Devadiga noted that many students come from poor backgrounds and cannot afford private accommodation. Paying guest facilities in the city typically start at around Rs 5,000 per month, she said, making them inaccessible for many families. The college faced a similar situation last year, when around 40 students from north Karnataka discontinued their course after failing to secure hostel accommodation in time.Another PU college principal said admissions are being held up because students are unwilling to confirm enrolment without certainty about hostel. The principal said the issue has persisted since the previous academic year, and urged authorities to expedite allotments to prevent further delays in admissions.Suresh Adiga, assistant director, social welfare department, Mangaluru taluk, said the hostel application process has only just begun, and allotments are made based on candidates’ marks. He said allotment timelines depend on the govt. Adiga also pointed to rising demand for hostel facilities, and said two additional hostels are needed for the current academic year.