Governor orders action against accused in open varsity scam

Vala's letter calls for special audit of KSOU's finances

 Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala has directed Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Vice-Chancellor M G Krishnan to initiate legal proceedings against the accused and also to conduct a special audit of the university’s finances in the wake of a report by the committee of retired High Court judge K Bhakthavathsala who probed into the alleged irregularities in KSOU.

In a letter dated November 3 to the VC from the office of the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of universities in the State, it has been directed to take action as per the directions and report about it within a month.

The Governor has observed that various financial irregularities and illegalities, resulting in losses and unnecessary expenditure, following misuse and abuse of power and also breach of trust by the authorities of KSOU have come to his notice.

“The report suggests that the decisions of the authorities have benefited certain individuals at the cost of the KSOU. Such actions attract provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act and Indian Penal Code, so the accused should be prosecuted,” the letter states.

The establishment of 21 regional centres in 2012, when K S Rangappa was the VC, is in violation of the rules. The appointment of regional directors and an hike in their salaries from Rs 20,000 to Rs 36,000 in later stages are a burden on KSOU. The expenditure for the construction of five regional centres at a cost of Rs 52.55 crore is also in violation of the norms. All regional centres should be closed and their operations should be entrusted to the study centres, the Governor has advised.

Even though there is no provision in the agreement with IEM, an agency, for payment of mobilisation fund of Rs 1 crore, KSOU has refunded the security deposit of Rs 68.78 lakh and also another Rs 31.21 lakh. Entrusting the work of computerisation of admission, examination, etc, to Mumbai-based IEM is not in the interest of the university as it is owned by the person who also owns SCOPE, a major collaborative institute. The expenditure of Rs 38.69 lakh for computers and furniture is a violation of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act. In 2013-14, irregularities have been noticed in procurement of 20 lakh marks cards. Those responsible for the lapses should be prosecuted, the letter observes.