Mangaluru: Mangalore University (MU) has decided to recall its permanent teaching faculty currently working at Kodagu University (KU) if KU issues a formal no-objection notice for their return, amid a continuing administrative deadlock following the bifurcation that created Kodagu University.The decision was discussed at MU’s recent syndicate meeting, where members agreed to proceed with recalling the faculty once Kodagu University provides official consent. The move comes as several MU-appointed permanent faculty members posted to KU campuses have already expressed willingness to return to their parent institution, but have been unable to do so due to procedural delays and lack of clarity on authority.MU vice-chancellor PL Dharma said the university has sought clarification from the state govt on the transfer of staff working at Kodagu University. “Though they are on our payroll, we can impose our wisdom as there is an independent VC of Kodagu University,” he said, indicating that MU is awaiting a clear govt position while also recognising KU’s administrative autonomy.A syndicate member said confusion has persisted since Kodagu University was carved out of Mangalore University, particularly on the status and repatriation of MU-appointed permanent teaching staff. The member said the faculty have conveyed their readiness to return, but administrative gridlock has prevented movement. “Considering this, we discussed the issue and members agreed to recall all faculty if the KU officials officially give consent for return,” the member said.Kodagu University officials, however, maintained that the matter cannot be settled solely at the university level. They said the decision must be taken by the govt, with subsequent consultations between the vice-chancellors of both institutions.Kodagu University vice-chancellor Ashok S Alur said the return of permanent faculty to MU requires a govt decision and coordination between both universities. “The universities alone cannot decide about it. So far I have not received official communication from the govt as well as MU in this regard. There are also technical issues in the same, which too need to be resolved,” he said.Alur said around 32 MU permanent staff are currently working across KU’s two campuses, Field Marshal KM Cariappa campus and the PG Centre at Chikka Aluvara, with 28 staff posted at the Madikeri campus alone.Faculty concerns include service and retirement benefits, as many MU-appointed staff are under the old pension scheme while Kodagu University follows the National Pension System (NPS). Faculty members have flagged potential complications at retirement if their service conditions remain unresolved. Separately, KU’s expanding academic responsibilities and limited guest faculty appointments have increased workload on permanent staff, adding urgency to a clear administrative resolution.
