KSOU V-C rubbishes minister's allegations

Maintains paramedical courses offered by university are valid

Continuing to defend the functioning of the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Vice-Chancellor Prof K S Rangappa rubbished the allegations made by Medical Education Minister S A Ramdas that the university was offering several courses without recognition from statutory bodies of the respective state governments.

Addressing a press conference at the KSOU on Tuesday, Prof Rangappa said the university had obtained legal opinion from an additional solicitor general, who said “approval of any regulatory body is not required for the university to start technical courses. Therefore, it is clear that the university is legally empowered to enter into contract by recognising any institute which provides learning in higher studies.”

In a press statement issued at the conference, Rangappa has said: “The university is empowered to impart education in such branches of knowledge, including technology, vocations and professions, as the university may determine from time-to-time.”

Reacting to allegations about paramedical courses which come under the purview of Medical Education department, he said KSOU was an independent body and it was not necessary to seek permission of either the Paramedical Board, Karnataka Nursing Board or Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. “Even the Supreme Court has ruled that it isn’t necessary to get the approval of AICTE to start technology-related courses,” he added.

Clarifying on the case of YGen Management Consulting Private Limited and Bangalore Education Resources, which Ramdas had raided earlier this month, Rangappa said KSOU’s expert committee and board of management had given permission after inspecting the institutes’ premises. He added that the institutes had not enrolled any students, even though they had a non-refundable deposit with the KSOU.

Replying to a query on the postponement of degree exams, he said the university had taken the decision following a mix up of question papers. Apologising for the inconvenience caused to students, he said it was taken in their best interest.

CID inquiry

While the State government has ordered a CID inquiry into the allegations made by Minister Ramdas, Rangappa said the university was yet to receive any intimation.

He added that he was ready to face any inquiry as “we are very transparent and ready to submit any documents”. He said the university had received a letter from the Governor on May 14 seeking an explanation, which the KSOU would submit soon.