KSOU still waiting for UGC word on recognition

There were no fresh admissions nor was the convocation held last year after the university’s courses were derecognised

Clock ticking:While it still enjoyed UGC recognition, KSOU used to start admissions in June-July every year.— File Photo: m.a. sriram

A year after the University Grants Commission (UGC) withdrew recognition to the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), and the university’s fate remains uncertain.

The authorities are unsure of making fresh admissions as there has not been a positive response from UGC on restoring the university’s recognition, which was terminated with effect from 2012-13. There were no admissions last year and the university could not hold its annual convocation following the UGC’s stern action. KSOU used to start admissions in June-July every year.

V-C meets UGC officials

A few days ago, Vice-Chancellor Shivalingaiah met UGC officials in New Delhi to get an update on the matter. However, what transpired between him and the officials is not known. The V-C was unavailable for comments despite repeated attempts to contact him on his mobile phone.

Registrar P.S. Naik said, “The university has furnished all the records and documents sought by UGC and is awaiting its reply. Beyond this, I have no information. But we have acted on the UGC’s instructions and therefore optimistic that KSOU will get back its recognition.”

A KSOU faculty membertold

The Hindu , “The wait for recognition is getting longer but we are not disheartened. There is a ray of hope and the UGC has to act sooner or later.”

Recently, Mysuru MP Pratap Simha met top UGC officials a couple of times to apprise them about the situation. But there has been little progress in the matter.

Though the government had resolved to amend the KSOU Act, 1996, for restricting the university to stick to its territorial jurisdiction while running courses, a committee to look into the changes is yet to be constituted.

The committee should include experts for recommending what changes are to be brought to the Act to help it get back the UGC recognition. KSOU had been running courses outside its jurisdiction.

In a bid to persuade the commission to relent, KSOU had issued an advertisement a few months ago announcing the termination of collaborations outside its territory.