Kasaragod: The state government is planning  to start new generation courses in the government colleges of Kannur and Kasaragod districts. The aim is to address the educational backwardness in the higher education sector of North Malabar by beginning vocational courses. The preliminary discussions for the same were held last week.

The Director of Collegiate Education also held a discussion with the college principals about beginning the course. It is indicated that the government is giving priority to courses like hotel management.

Some colleges have pointed out the inadequacy of classrooms, but are welcoming towards new courses. The final decision regarding the courses, their structure, seats, etc. will be made based on the replies received from the colleges. The MLAs, including the Chief Minister, had asserted that the lack of government colleges in the higher education sector is affecting the students. Thus, plans are in place to manage this inadequacy.

The KrishnaMenon Memorial Women’s College in Kannur, Brennan College, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Govt College, Government College Peringome in Kannur district  and the Govt College Kasaragod, Govinda Pai College Manjeshwaram, Govt Arts and Science College Uduma, Govt Arts and Science College  Karinthalam and E.K Nayanar Memorial Govt College in Kasaragod districts are the main colleges in this area. Most of these are newly established and have few courses and seats. Many new colleges also lack infrastructure facilities like buildings to add new courses.

In this situation, students have to rely on aided and unaided colleges. Due to liabilities, including fees, students are moving to other fields after completing Plus Two. It is in this situation that the demand for more graduate courses in the government sector has increased. It has also been suggested that new generation courses should be started so that placement is possible after completion of studies.