Don't overcharge for convocation certs: govt to ask varsities

Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi on Friday said the government will ask all universities in the state not to charge exorbitant fee for issuing convocation certificates.

Replying to B J Puttaswamy (BJP) in the Council, he said Mangalore University has been collecting Rs 5,000 from each student for issuing the convocation certificate within 24 hours. Otherwise, a nominal fee is collected for the purpose. “The university is charging more for providing special service. People have to pay more for any special and speedy service.”

“Universities are autonomous bodies and it is the syndicate that fixes convocation certificate fees. The Higher Education department cannot interfere in such matters. Still, the government will write to all the universities in the state asking them not to charge exorbitant fees,” he stated.

To a question by Nirani Hemanth Rudrappa (BJP) on the delay in establishing the proposed Lalita Kala university at Badami in Bagalkot district, Rayareddi said the government has not earmarked funds for the proposed university. “It is my view that establishing a separate Lalita Kala university will lead to unnecessary expenditure. We can open a wing under an existing university.”

He said though the announcement to establish the university was made in 2011-12, the then government did not earmark funds. Instead, a special officer was appointed for establishing the university. The government has so far spent Rs 86 lakh towards salary and other expenditure of the officer.