New KSOU V-C takes charge

Prof D. Shivalingaiah had earlier served as Registrar of Tumkur University

D. Shivalingaiah (left) says among his priorities is introducing B. Voc. courses.— photo: m.a. sriram

Prof D. Shivalingaiah on Friday assumed charge as the Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru. The post had become vacant following the retirement of Prof. M.G. Krishnan, who had held it for three years.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.S. Naik, who is the Registrar of KSOU, handed over the charge to Prof. Shivalingaiah.

Prof. Shivalingaiah, who earlier served as Registrar of Tumkur University, told

The Hindu that his biggest priority was to restore the University Grants Commission (UGC) recognition to KSOU.

He said in the next few days he would peruse the documents and communications the university has had with UGC over the recognition issue.

“First and foremost, I have to understand the status and act accordingly. I cannot comment without knowing the facts,” he said.

Prof. Shivalingaiah said he had a meeting with top officials from the university soon after taking charge to take stock of the situation and understand the university’s affairs.

He said his other priorities include launching Bachelor of Vocation (B. Voc.) courses and e-governance initiatives which he had implemented at Tumkur University. Sakala services would also be strengthened, he added.

UGC had withdrawn its recognition to the academic programmes run by KSOU in June last year. The recognition stands terminated since 2012-13.

Despite several attempts after the UGC’s public notice on the matter, KSOU has been unable to regain recognition and as a result, there were zero admissions last year.