Mangaluru: The Government Pre-University (PU) College in Derlakatte, established in 2022, has now been converted into an all-women’s college following a decline in male student admissions. From this academic year, the college will admit only female students to its arts and commerce streams, although male students currently in the second year will be allowed to complete their studies.

According to officials from the Department of Pre-University Education, the decision was made after the college consistently saw a low number of male admissions. Additionally, there was a long-standing demand from local residents for a dedicated women’s college. With this development, Dakshina Kannada district now has four government-run all-girls PU colleges. The other three are located in Balmatta, Carstreet (Mangaluru), and Puttur.

Rajeshwari, Deputy Director of Pre-University Education (DDPU) for Dakshina Kannada, stated that the proposal to convert the Derlakatte college into an all-women’s institution was submitted in response to requests from both the local community and the college development committee. “A week ago, I visited the college along with a team to inspect the available facilities. Based on our assessment, the department approved the proposal to transition the college into an all-women’s PU college starting this academic year,” she said. She added that the college is currently operating out of a high school building, but plans are underway to establish a separate campus for the institution.

The college primarily serves students from nearby villages including Pavoor, Harekala, Manjanady, Konaje, Kinya, Belma, and Thokkottu. Last year, a new government PU college was also sanctioned at Newpadpu, following a request by social activist Harekala Hajabba.

Satyaprema K., the principal of the Derlakatte college, mentioned that the institution currently has around 50 students enrolled in its arts and commerce streams. “Admissions are ongoing, and we plan to introduce science courses in the coming years,” she said. From this year onward, the department has approved admission exclusively for female students, making it the first government women’s PU college in Ullal taluk.

A department source explained that the establishment of the PU college at Newpadpu last year led to a reduction in male student admissions at Derlakatte. Of the 91 students enrolled in the arts and commerce streams across first and second year last year, only 41 were boys. “With government PU colleges now operating in Mudipu, Montepadavu, Derlakatte, and Newpadpu—and given the low male enrollment—the college development committee proposed to reserve the Derlakatte college exclusively for girls. The request was submitted to the local MLA, who also serves as the president of the college development committee,” the source said.

At present, the college has a principal, two permanent teachers on deputation, and several guest lecturers. It operates with five classrooms and a staff room.