Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) is contemplating pursuing legal action against varsities in the State that are planning to launch distance education courses.
Vice Chancellor M G Krishnan said that the varsity was in the process of filing a petition in the High Court in this regard. “I have instructed the legal officer of the varsity to look into the details for such a case and whether it is a fit case to file a petition in the High Court,” he said.
Speaking at a press meet on Wednesday, he said though he did not oppose varsities in the State starting distance education courses, ‘personally’ he had decided to go with the Board of Management (BoM) decision of the varsity.
The University of Mysore (UoM) had proposed to launch distance education courses, which was vehemently opposed by the Teachers’ Association of KSOU, following which BoM of KSOU had decided to file a petition against UoM over starting the courses.
Study centre cancelled
KSOU has cancelled a study centre at Swami Vivekananda Education Trust of Karnataka International Educational Trust (KIET), Bangalore, following a complaint by a student. In a letter to the secretary of KIET, KSOU authorities have noted that the said study centre did not provide study material to students who had registered there and did not conduct contact classes for them. A student, G Jayaprakash had complained to R V Deshpande, Minister for Higher Education, following which the cancellation was effected for violation of norms.
Launch
The B V Karanth Study Chair of the varsity will be inaugurated on May 31 by the director of National School of Drama, Vaman Kendre.
Krishnan said that the study chair would concentrate on comprehensive research activities on theatre, films and short films.
The chair will also offer short-term diploma and theatre courses in course of time. An art museum, a gallery, and a library to facilitate research in art and theatre will also be set up under the Chair, he said.