The Karnataka government will shut down nine universities in the state. The announcement comes after a review by a Cabinet Sub-committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. According to the findings of the sub-committee, out of the newly established ten universities, only Bidar University, was functional and financially viable.

The decision to shut down the universities is driven by financial constraints and other operational challenges. According to estimates provided by the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, an amount of Rs 342 crore is required to cover infra and operational costs of each university over the first five years of operation. The universities to be closed include those in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Bagalkot, Maharani Cluster in Bengaluru, Mandya, and Nrupatunga.

The decision has ignited a fierce political debate with the opposition accusing the government of carrying out a political vendetta.