A long-drawn battle by the state government to get possession of the 176-acre forest land on which Rani Channamma University (RCU) has been functioning for several years, has finally ended on a happy note. Higher Education minister G T Devegowda announced here that within the next 15 days, the forest land will be transferred to RCU officially, as all necessary formalities for the transfer have been completed.

Devegowda was speaking at the annual convocation at RCU on Wednesday. For several years, many authorities and leaders from Karnataka had put pressure on the Centre to transfer the land, but in vain. "RCU authorities will now be able to take up construction of hostels, library, an auditorium and other state-of-the-art facilities. At least Rs 80 crore will be spent this year on the development of the campus,'' he said.

Congratulating the toppers, the minister conferred them with medals. "There is a need to strengthen education from the primary level onwards by providing quality education. A meeting has been held recently with the Primary and Secondary Education minister, and decisions have been taken to make drastic improvements at all levels in the state. The CM announced giving Rs 3 crores each to 100 English medium schools started this year," he said.

Talking about the many empty seats at colleges, Devegowda said, "There are 326 vacant posts in colleges for the past 25 years. They will be filled shortly, as the Finance Department has given its green signal. Fifty per cent reservation will be given to guest faculty who have served for more than 10 years. It has also been decided that guest faculty salaries will be increased by Rs 5,000,'' he added.