KPSC says KSOU degrees issued after 2013 not valid

More than a month after the University Grants Commission (UGC) derecognised all open and distance learning courses offered by the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), the Karnataka State Public Service Commission (KPSC) has rejected the candidature of KSOU graduates for recruitment to posts in Morarji Desai residential schools.

The KPSC issued letters to those who have graduated from the KSOU since 2013, stating that their qualification cannot be considered as the courses have been derecognised by the UGC. Degrees obtained from the KSOU before 2013, however, are valid.

The KPSC had invited applications for the posts of teachers and wardens last year. KSOU graduates cleared the written exam and appeared for interview on July 31. While officials at the KPSC were verifying their documents, prior to the interview, they pointed out that KSOU certificates cannot be honoured and immediately handed over letters to this effect.
The derecognition of KSOU courses by the UGC — as per its June 16 order — has spoiled the candidates’ chances of getting jobs. Deccan Herald spoke to many affected candidates.

T R Prasanna Kumar, a native of KR Nagar and a resident of Mysuru, obtained a BEd degree from the KSOU. He said that he had worked as hard as regular BEd students to get the degree through distant education. “I attended contact classes and did the practicals necessary for the course. I also studied for hours at home and spent a lot on the education,” he said. “But it seems all my efforts have been rendered useless.”

G N Chandramma, from Chamarajanagar, had applied for the post of Kannada teacher. As she did not have Kannada as an optional subject in BA, she applied on the basis of the MA degree she obtained from the KSOU.

MLC Go Madhusudana, who is a member of the Board of Management at the KSOU, said that the authorities didn’t do such a simple thing as uploading on the UGC website the application for renewal of recognition for the courses. “I have been bringing the issue of jurisdiction, which has been opposed by the UGC, for the last two and a half years. Now, the KSOU is not in a position to apply for renewal of recognition as it does not fulfil the criteria laid down by the UGC,” he said.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor, M G Krishnan, is said to have told the candidates to move the High Court seeking recognition for the courses. He also reportedly said that the matter would be resolved in a fortnight. He was not available for comment.