Visvesvaraya Technological University has directed all constituent, affiliated, and autonomous engineering colleges under its jurisdiction to conduct classes online on all working Saturdays. The decision, aimed at promoting fuel conservation, applies to students across all four years of engineering and architecture programmes. Classes will be held in online mode on the first and third Saturdays of every month, as well as on occasional fifth Saturdays that are declared working days.
According to VTU vice-chancellor S Vidyashankar, the measure was introduced in view of the power shortage and the large-scale movement of students across the state on Saturdays, resulting in substantial fuel consumption. The University Grants Commission permits up to 40% blended learning through online mode, and VTU is utilising only a small portion of that provision.
The university has instructed all principals and heads of departments to make necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the directive. Sadashive Gowda, principal of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, welcomed the initiative, stating that it is a proactive move considering national interest and will not affect the teaching-learning process.
The arrangement will continue until the present situation improves, and is expected to help conserve fuel, reduce travel-related costs, and support sustainable resource management without affecting academic activities.