Governor H.R. Bhardwaj has intervened in the turbulence and the war of attrition at Bangalore University and ordered an investigation by a one-man commission headed by retired High Court judge K. Shivashankar Bhat, who has to submit the report within six months.
“In the light of recent happenings in Bangalore University, causing disturbances, and with a view to restoring proper academic environment in the university, the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, has appointed a commission of inquiry,” said a communiqué from the Raj Bhavan.
The Governor, has exercised the powers conferred on him under section 8 (1) of the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000 in appointing the commission. Five matters pertaining to the university will be inquired into and report will be submitted within six months.
Problem areas
The areas he will be looking into are: complaints of large-scale malpractices in the examinations conducted at the distance education centres, resulting in cancellation of examinations, and circumstances behind the recent attack by activists of the Sri Rama Sene on B.R. Niranjan, Director, Distance Education, Bangalore University, and the persons behind the attack.
Further, the commission will probe allegations and counter-allegations relating to the construction of the Postgraduate Centre in Kolar and “fix the responsibility, if any, for causing delay in the completion of the project”; identify the persons responsible in “vitiating the atmosphere in the campus” and recommend remedial measures to restore academic atmosphere in Bangalore University campus; and finally, “inquire into any such incidents disrupting peace in the campus that may occur during the pendency of this inquiry.”
Welcoming the investigation, Syndicate member K.V. Acharya also urged Vice-Chancellor N. Prabhu Dev to go on leave to facilitate a fair probe.
Both Dr. Prabhu Dev and Registrar (Administration) B.C. Mylarappa, who are believed to be at loggerheads, were unavailable for comments, following this development.
