The future of four newly established government degree colleges in Uttar Pradesh has hit a roadblock after the state’s universities refused to take charge of their operations. The institutions have cited the lack of financial grants from the government as the main hurdle, leaving their academic future uncertain.
This development has cast a shadow over the state’s ambitious plan to open 71 new government degree colleges in the 2025–26 academic session, including one in Prayagraj.
Of the 48 new institutions planned in the first phase, construction work for 46 has been completed. The state had initially aimed to start admissions on July 1, but with no clarity on funding, the timeline now appears uncertain. Two of the colleges remain under construction.
The state government had also earlier proposed converting 23 university-affiliated colleges into government-run institutions.
Appointments of teaching staff were finalised for 69 of the 71 colleges by June, excluding the two still under construction. However, the government later withdrew its decision to convert the 23 affiliated colleges, allowing them to function under their existing university affiliations.
After this reversal, three universities informed the higher education department that they were unable to manage the new colleges under their jurisdiction without state support.
They have clearly stated that operational responsibilities can only be accepted if the government provides financial assistance through state grants.
UNIVERSITIES DECLINE TO TAKE CHARGE
Professor Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University in Prayagraj has declined to manage the Government Degree College in Gunai Gaharpur, Meja (Prayagraj). Similarly, Maa Shakumbhari University in Saharanpur has refused to operate the colleges in Budhana (Muzaffarnagar) and Thanabhawan (Shamli). Maa Pateshwari University in Balrampur has also expressed its inability to take charge of the Government Degree College in Bhawanipur Kala, Gonda.
Assistant director (higher education) SKS Pandey confirmed that the universities have communicated to the department that they can take responsibility for these institutions only if provided with financial grants.
The situation now places the state’s higher education expansion plan at a critical juncture, as universities await clarity on funding before operations can begin.
