Netas want student's interest to be protected

Two days after the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, leaders belonging to two different political parties, here, on Saturday, demanded justice in the interest of the students.

BJP MLC G Madhusudhan, also member of the Board of Management (BOM), KSOU, sought filing of a fresh affidavit with the University Grants Commission (UGC) about taking corrective steps and starting afresh, in the interest of the student community.

In a separate media briefing, former MP A H Vishwanath demanded the intervention of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development and MPs elected from the State, in the interest of the students and affected graduates and postgraduates, who constitute women in large numbers and those hailing from economically weaker sections.

Madhusudhan, who is expected to submit a complaint to Governor Vajubai R Vala, also the Chancellor of the university, demanded an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

It is suspected to be a scam worth not less than Rs 1,000 crore, with those at the helm drawing undue benefits, through the revenue generated by offering courses and awarding permission to a whopping 230 institutes crossing boundaries.

Madhusudhan, who blamed former Governor H R Bhardwaj for the mess, alleged, “When the law, justice and human rights department had submitted its view against some of the measures taken in the varsity, the Governor paid no heed to it”.

Beginning from the tenure of previous VC K S Rangappa (now VC of the University of Mysore) and till his successor M G Krishnan, the university has been consistently flouting rules. This calls for immediate action against both, by recalling them along with Registrar P S Naik, and filing a criminal case against them.

“Both Rangappa and Krishnan are cheats, who have deceived the students. As the UoM is receiving funds for its centenary celebrations, Rangappa, whose earlier stint (with KSOU) is under scanner, he should be removed from the post. For KSOU, an acting VC should be appointed”, demanded Madhusudhan.

The then Finance Officer, L Rajashekaraiah, who had colluded with both the VCs and also the registrar, should also be probed and his retirement benefits should be forfeited. All those involved in the irregularities, irrespective of deans of study centres, academic and examination wings, along with deputy registrars and senior officials should be questioned, demanded Madhusudhan.

Both, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Higher Education Minister R V Deshpande, should tender a public apology, said Madhusudhan.

Former MP Vishwanath said, “Let suitable action be taken against the guilty, but the future of students should be taken into account”.

Vishwanath alleged that it is the vindictive attitude of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre is targetting the Congress-ruled Karnataka. “Though Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala and Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu have indulged in similar dubious affairs, they have been spared,” he said.