The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Prabhu Dev blames vested interests

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Wednesday, Jun 24, 2009
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Karnataka

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Prabhu Dev blames vested interests

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The recent leakage of Bangalore University’s II B.Com question paper at a college in Bangalore and the reported mass copying at its distance education examination centre in Mysore were part of a planned conspiracy by “vested interests to derail the examination reforms system”, according to Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor N. Prabhu Dev.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday to clear the air over the recent examination-related episodes, Dr. Prabhu Dev said the examination reforms introduced by the university, particularly the move to abolish custodianship, had hurt vested interests. “These incidents were planned and executed to derail the reforms.”

The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that custodianship had been a ‘hot seat’ for some vested interests to carry out malpractices. The university decided to not only abolish custodianship in all disciplines but also appointed the principal of the college as chief custodian along with an additional chief custodian from the university.

With regard to the question paper leak at MEWA College in Bangalore, Dr. Prabhu Dev claimed that the university authorities had handed over the question papers and answer scripts to the person authorised by the principal at the appointed time in accordance with the rules.

“Unfortunately, they fell into the wrong hands before reaching the college,” he said, before adding that the university would review the system.

Referring to the episode in Mysore, in-charge Registrar (Evaluation) K. Puttaraju denied allegations that mass copying took place. “The examination was proceeding smoothly until a few miscreants barged into the hall and created a drama. No copying was going on as alleged,” he said.

Dr. Puttaraju said the university had lodged police complaints in both the incidents. “We will disclose more details after the investigation is completed,” he said.

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