The proposal, aimed at ensuring long-term upkeep of the 121-year-old heritage structure, was recently discussed during a syndicate meeting. However, university authorities clarified that no final decision has been taken yet.

Registrar M K Savitha stated that while the idea of entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DHF has been deliberated, the university has not formally approved the plan.

University officials have advised the Vice Chancellor to seek necessary approvals from the Mysuru Heritage Expert Committee, headed by Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, as well as the state government before proceeding further.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the university had previously entered into an MoU with DHF in 2023 for restoration of the heritage structure. The foundation undertook extensive restoration work at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 33 crore.

The project was funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions and international cultural preservation initiatives, significantly improving the condition of the mansion.

Clarifying concerns, Lokanath said the current proposal is only for maintenance of the building and not for leasing or commercial use. DHF has proposed to manage upkeep while also developing a state-of-the-art international museum and a conservation laboratory within the premises.

He added that the university is facing financial constraints and has not received sufficient government funding for maintaining such a large heritage structure, prompting the consideration of external support.

The proposal has drawn attention from heritage experts, who have emphasised the need to protect the historical and cultural integrity of JVM.

Retired professor and heritage committee member N S Rangaraju pointed out that the mansion is one of the 25 heritage buildings under the University of Mysore. He stressed that the Vice Chancellor is only the custodian of the property and not its owner.

Experts have cautioned that the building can be handed over only for maintenance purposes and not for lease or rent, in accordance with heritage regulations.

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion holds immense historical value and is considered one of the 14 palaces in Mysuru. It was built by Kempananjammanni Vani Vilasa Sannidana, the wife of the 10th ruler Chamarajendra Wadiyar, for her daughter Jayalakshmammanni.

The foundation stone for the mansion was laid in 1902, and construction was completed in 1905. The property later became part of the University of Mysore in 1958 when then Vice Chancellor Kuvempu acquired 350 acres of land, including the mansion, from Jayachamaraja Wadiyar and named the campus Manasagangotri.

According to officials from the Department of Heritage, Archaeology and Museums, any modifications or decisions involving heritage structures must comply with zonal regulations under the Town and Country Planning Act.

The heritage expert committee plays a key role in approving such changes, while the custodian is responsible for routine maintenance decisions.

In February 2023, the university also entered into an MoU with the Department of Kannada and Culture to allocate a portion of JVM for the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK).

Authorities plan to house the centre in the mansion once restoration work and related developments are completed.

While the proposal to entrust the maintenance of Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion to the Deccan Heritage Foundation reflects the university's effort to preserve its heritage amid financial constraints, it has also sparked debate over regulatory compliance and cultural responsibility. The final decision will depend on approvals from heritage authorities and the state government, ensuring that the legacy of the iconic structure is safeguarded for future generations.