UP Universities Refuse to Operate 4 New Colleges Over Funding Shortfall

UP Universities Refuse to Operate 4 New Government Colleges Over Funding Gap

Four newly constructed government degree colleges in Uttar Pradesh remain non-operational after universities declined to take charge, citing the absence of state financial grants. The move casts uncertainty over the state’s plan to open 71 new colleges during the 2025–26 academic session, including a key institution in Prayagraj.

Construction Complete but Operations Delayed

Of the 48 new colleges planned in the first phase, 46 have completed construction, while two are still under development. The state initially aimed to begin admissions on July 1, but without clarity on funding, the timeline now appears uncertain.

Earlier, the government also proposed converting 23 university-affiliated colleges into government-run institutions. Teaching staff appointments were finalized for 69 out of 71 colleges by June, excluding the two under construction. However, the plan to convert affiliated colleges was later withdrawn, allowing them to continue under existing university oversight.

Universities Cite Funding Constraints

Following this reversal, three universities informed the Higher Education Department that they could not manage the new colleges without state financial support.

• Rajju Bhaiya University, Prayagraj declined to operate the Government Degree College in Gunai Gaharpur, Meja.

• Maa Shakumbhari University, Saharanpur refused to take charge of the colleges in Budhana (Muzaffarnagar) and Thanabhawan (Shamli).

• Maa Pateshwari University, Balrampur expressed inability to manage the Government Degree College in Bhawanipur Kala, Gonda.

Assistant Director (Higher Education) SKS Pandey confirmed that universities will only assume responsibility if the state provides the required grants.

Impact on UP’s Higher Education Expansion

The funding impasse has placed Uttar Pradesh’s higher education expansion plans at a critical juncture. Universities are awaiting financial clarity before operations and admissions can commence, putting the state’s ambitious plan for 71 new government colleges at risk.