With no solution in sight for the imbroglio surrounding the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru, which is unable to get back recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) even after two years, the fate of thousands of students is hanging in the balance.
Despite claims by KSOU officials that the university may get back its lost glory ‘soon’, the wait is getting longer and the students’ patience seems to be running out.
The future of students has continued to remain in jeopardy following the withdrawal of UGC recognition with effect from 2012-13. The reasons cited by the UGC were the university’s violation of territorial jurisdiction, opening of study centres outside the State, and signing MoUs with private institutions for conducting programmes and technical courses.
KSOU has been seeking re-establishment of recognition in the interest of students, many of whom had been in the middle of their courses. It has urged the UGC to re-establish recognition from 2012-13 (retrospective, not prospective) and grant one-time permission to conduct examinations for students outside the State, in Karnataka, so that they can clear their courses.
Responding to the students’ plight, the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), being a consumer protection organisation, is exploring ways to help those who have suffered after KSOU’s recognition was withdrawn. It is planning to approach the Prime Minister’s Office with a request to set up a commission to help find a speedy solution to the suffering students.
In the past, the MGP had helped many students of unrecognised courses get redressal. In one example, a brother and sister had completed courses from a central institution and could not get jobs since the courses had been unrecognised. “MGP helped their father file a case before the consumer court. He won at the district forum and then the State Consumer Redressal Commission and the National Consumer Redressal Commission when the institute went on appeal. When the next appeal was before the Supreme Court, the father died and the case was not pursued further,” a press release by MGP president M.M. Shenoi said.
KSOU students from Mysuru can contact the MGP through email: mygrapa@gmail.com qith regard to this issue. For more information, they may contact 2515150.
