The Karnataka government has approved a proposal to rename Bengaluru City University after former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the initial announcement during his budget speech. The university will be renamed Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University. This decision marks the first instance of an Indian university being named in honor of the former Prime Minister.
The government intends to develop the institution into a model university. As part of this initiative, Government Arts College and Government R.C. College will be integrated as constituent colleges of the university. Additionally, a constituent college of Vishweshwaraiah Technological University (VTU) will be established in Chintamani Taluk, Chikkaballapur district, with an allocation of Rs 150 crore.
The Karnataka government has also pledged to invest in higher education. This includes filling 2,000 vacant teaching positions in government first-grade colleges, engineering colleges, and polytechnics. Essential infrastructure will be provided at a cost of Rs 275 crore in government engineering colleges, polytechnics, and degree colleges. Furthermore, newly established polytechnics and engineering colleges will receive furniture, equipment, computers, and books, with an allocation of Rs 10 crore. With the help of the World Bank, Rs 2,500 crore will be invested to strengthen infrastructure in first grade colleges and to set up a Centre of Excellence over the next four years. 26 women’s higher education institutions will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 26 crore.
At Mysuru University, the Prof. Nanjundaswamy Research Chair will be established. Under the Chevening Karnataka Master's Scholarship Programme, female students from government degree colleges will have the opportunity to pursue one-year postgraduate programs at prestigious universities in England. Moreover, professional subject experts will be appointed as professors of practice in 16 government engineering colleges to enhance students' employability through practical knowledge.
The decision to rename Bengaluru City University has drawn criticism from the opposition. D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, defended the decision, emphasizing Manmohan Singh's contributions to the country. Shivakumar questioned the BJP's opposition, asking why they can name places after Deendayal Upadhyaya but object to honoring Manmohan Singh. He highlighted various schemes implemented by Manmohan Singh, including the flyover leading to Bengaluru International Airport, the Electronic City flyover, the Nelamangala flyover, JNNURM, NREGA, the Food Security Act, the Right to Education, the Right to Information, and the ASHA workers' scheme. Shivakumar stated that Manmohan Singh deserves even more recognition for his contributions to Karnataka and the nation. He further added that the government is open to naming more institutions after him.
The initiative is intended to educate students about the former Prime Minister's pivotal economic reforms and their impact on India's development. Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, was widely regarded as the architect of modern economic reforms. He served as India's 13th Prime Minister and was widely recognized for his role in economic liberalization and financial reforms, which played a crucial part in shaping modern India's economy.
