Mysore university seeks Rs 100-cr aid from KSOU

The University of Mysore has sought Rs 100 crore as financial assistance from its neighbouring varsity - Karnataka State Open Univeristy - for executing various activities as part of its centenary celebrations.

The University of Mysore (UoM) has justified its request on the grounds that it has granted land and buildings free of cost to the Karnataka State Open Univeristy (KSOU).

The UoM has written to the Higher Education department in this regard, following which the department has sent a missive to KSOU asking its opinion on the matter.

The department has also asked KSOU whether the UoM has granted it 30 acres and buildings free of cost.

When contacted by Deccan Herald, UoM vice chancellor K S Rangappa said that though the varsity had sought the government a grant of Rs 100 crore, it had set aside only Rs 50 crore in the State budget. This money, too, was yet to reach the varsity.

Also, the varsity had reached out to private donors seeking donations for the celebrations, but so far, nobody had made any contribution. The varsity had collected money amounting to “a few lakh” rupees from the students and the faculty, which was not sufficient, he added.

“KSOU is a part and parcel of the UoM. We have granted it 30 acres land and some buildings. As we are finding it difficult to raise funds, we thought of exploring this possibility. We have the government support in this regard. There is nothing wrong in asking for financial assistance from KSOU for upgrading a reputed university like the UoM,” he added.

Rangappa said he had chalked out programmes for the next 100 years which included improving infrastructure facilities in the departments.

The varisty is struggling to fill vacant posts. The entire varsity needs to be rebuilt, he said.
I-T scanner

Higher Education department principal secretary Bharat Lal Meena said his office had sought KSOU’s opinion and that no decision had been taken on the matter.

“It has come to our knowledge that there are surplus funds in KSOU’s bank deposits. When there are no schemes or plans, then KSOU might as well transfer this amount to the UoM. This money can be utilised fruitfully. There is no point in keeping this money idle. We don’t want KSOU to come under the scanner of the Income Tax department.

“The same thing happened with VTU which had parked crores of rupees. Ultimately, it had to suffer the consequences,” he added.

When contacted, KSOU vice chancellor M G Krishnan said he had to take the opinion of the Board, teaching and non-teaching staff, before he proceeds on the matter.

KSOU reluctant
“If the order comes from the Chief Minister’s Office, then I will be left with no choice but to consider it seriously. KSOU does not get any grants from the government. We are a  self-sustaining university. We generate funds through fees from students. As it is the students’ money, it would be difficult to take a call on the matter,” he added.

KSOU, which has not been able to conduct the admission process, is already suffering losses to the tune of Rs 25 to Rs 30 crore.