Karnataka Higher Education Council to probe bribery charges against KSOU Registrar

Mysuru: The Karnataka government has decided to probe the charges of corruption in Mysuru-based Karnataka State Open University (KSOU).

Following a complaint by the KSOU Employees Association, against the KSOU Registrar (Administration), Principal Secretary for Higher Education on Friday directed the vice-president of the Karnataka State Higher Education Council to visit KSOU, and speak to the stakeholders to report on the issue immediately.

The letter of the Principal Secretary, signed by under secretary J Shashidhar, to the Council, dated March 21, also cites the protest by the members of the association on March 18, when they decorated the chamber of the Registrar with currency notes to denote corruption.

The association members had alleged that the Registrar (Administration) was demanding and collecting bribe from KSOU staff for appointment, transfer and designation change.

The letter directs the Council vice-chairman to speak to the officials and staff of KSOU and collect all information to conduct a primary probe and report to the government immediately.

Issue raised in Assembly

The issue was also raised by Opposition Leader R Ashoka during the Session of the Legislative Assembly on Friday, in the Zero Hour. He sought permission to raise the issue, to seek action against the KSOU Registrar in the wake of the protest by KSOU Employees Association.

Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar has given a written reply to the issue. He has stated that the government has taken the issue seriously and has directed Karnataka State Higher Education Council Vice-Chairman N R Niranjan to visit the KSOU to probe the issue and report to the government.