Concern has grown over the State government’s reported move to discontinue hundreds of degree course combinations involving core subjects in government colleges, with the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) warning that the decision could weaken higher education and pave the way for privatisation.

In a statement issued here on Friday, the AIDSO Mysuru district committee claimed that the Department of Collegiate Education had issued an order on May 21 “cancelling 458 course combinations on the grounds of poor student demand”. The courses reportedly include subjects such as Political Science, Sociology, Optional Kannada, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science.

“The declining admissions were largely the result of shrinking employment opportunities and the government’s failure to fill vacant posts, particularly in the education sector. More than one lakh posts remain vacant in the Education Department alone. Instead of addressing unemployment and recruiting teachers, the government is attempting to shut down courses,” the statement alleged.

Nithin, District Secretary, AIDSO Mysuru district committee said the discontinuation of core academic subjects would adversely affect the quality and structure of higher education in the State. It also criticised the government for taking the decision without consulting educationists, students or parents.

Accusing the government of adopting an “undemocratic and unilateral” approach, the student organisation alleged that the introduction of unaided courses in the name of “market demand” was part of a larger attempt to privatise public education. It urged the State government to immediately withdraw the order, strengthen the teaching of core subjects and create employment opportunities for graduates.