Guv approves probe into BU V-C’s conduct

In a major setback to Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof K R Venugopal, the Governor has approved the preliminary inquiry ordered by the higher education department.

The V-C approached Governor Vajubhai Vala, who is the chancellor of the university, over the inquiry committee the department had constituted over recent events in the BU. The chancellor had sought explanation from the department.

Following a detailed explanation from the department’s principal secretary, the governor has given a go-ahead to the inquiry, while also asking the department to submit a copy of its findings to the Raj Bhavan.

Two months ago, the higher education department had constituted a three-member committee to conduct preliminary inquiry into various issues reported in the university. However, Prof Venugopal did not cooperate with the inquiry committee and asked its members to meet the governor.

In a letter to the committee members, a copy of which is available with DH, the principal secretary said: "The government has observed that the Vice-Chancellor has insisted you to meet the Governor and the department has sent explanation to the Raj Bhavan. The V-C has no powers to seek clarification from the committee members or ask them to meet the Governor. You are hereby directed to complete the preliminary inquiry and submit the report to the government."

The preliminary inquiry will look into alleged financial mismanagement, decisions taken by the V-C and activities of other staff which came to the government’s notice.

The department’s notification dated January 21, 2021, reads: "The Bangalore University has developed an attitude of committing financial irregularities and even now continuing the same has been revealed through recent audit reports. Considering the interest of students and also to avoid the university from becoming a topic of laughter for the public, the committee has been constituted to conduct preliminary inquiry into all the allegations."

The notification gives specific directions for inquiry into the V-C's move to relieve the finance officer illegally, instigating non-teaching staff to stage protest, illegal promotions, and appointments in violation with norms, not conducting syndicate meetings as per schedule etc.

"All these should be investigated thoroughly and every concerned officer at the university should cooperate to the committee during the inquiry," the notification adds.

The department has stated that the issues reported at the varsity were "humiliating". In his reply to the Governor, the principal secretary said: "It was humiliating to take note of the reports published and aired in the print and electronic media regarding administrative languidness and mismanagement rampant in Bangalore University."

The letter speaks of fiscal indiscipline and non-coordination among officers. "Consequently, a muddled administrative situation at the university made the academia panic and the student fraternity anxious. The situation was so serious that the residence and office of the registrar were provided with police security."