Poor infrastructure, teaching standards! Karnataka Govt crackdown on Paramedical colleges

Bangalore: In a strong move against para-medical colleges offering substandard education, Karnataka's Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil has ordered the officials to withdraw affiliations and shut down institutions failing to meet infrastructure and teaching standards.

“Close down such colleges without any consideration. We must send a strong message to these institutions,” the minister directed, while also ensuring that students affected by regulatory actions would be shifted to better institutions. This crackdown aims to safeguard the quality of para-medical education and ensure that students receive proper training for their future careers in the healthcare sector, the Minister stated, quotes IANS

During a review meeting of the state para-medical board held at Vikasa Soudha on Thursday, officials reported alarming deficiencies in several private colleges. Instances included colleges operating in cramped spaces with inadequate facilities—one institution had just a single microscope for hundreds of students, while another functioned without proper lighting.

Minister Patil emphasised that many private institutions present a misleadingly rosy picture while seeking approval but fail to deliver quality education once permitted, despite charging hefty fees. Of the 566 para-medical colleges in the state 529 are privately run, admitting 22,256 students in the 2024-25 academic year. Private colleges charge Rs 20,000 annually for a three-year course, compared to Rs 8,500 for government institutions.