The Committee on Privileges of the Legislative Council, which probed into allegations of violations in the distance courses offered by the University of Mysore (UoM) and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), favoured a CBI investigation.
G. Madhusudan, Chairman of the committee, who submitted two reports in the Upper House on Monday, termed distance education courses, which were being offered by both the institutions, as ‘illegal’. Incidentally, Mr. Madhusudan’s six-year term as MLC ended on Monday.
He said that both the UoM and KSOU have expanded their statutes without bringing it to the notice of the legislature, which is a norm. “Because of their act, over five lakh students of KSOU and over 15,650 students of UoM are now facing problems. Both varsities cheated students by collecting fees and providing courses, without getting recognition from the UGC, MCI or AICTE,” he said. The report held Vice-Chancellor K.S. Rangappa and Registrar Basavaraju responsible. “Prof. Rangappa did not appear before the committee by offering false reasons,” he said.
The panel alleged that Additional Chief Secretary for Higher Education Department Bharat Lal Meena ignored the recommendations of Governor Vajubhai Vala to lodge a criminal case against KSOU for ‘misuse of power with mal intentions’.
