The Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) authorities found themselves in a controversy after several varsity members criticised it for spending an “extravagant” amount of around ₹50 lakh for the 20th Foundation Day to be held on Friday at Belgavi. However, what has irked some of the members and critics is that the authorities had not taken the approval of the executive council which is the university’s highest decision-making body.
The event will be presided by Governor Vajubhai R. Vala, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Higher Education Minister G.T. Deve Gowda. Padma Vibhushan awardee and scientist V.K. Aatre will deliver the foundation day lecture. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Karisiddappa, Vice-Chancellor of VTU, said the university would spend around ₹50 lakh for the occasion. “The finance committee had, however, approved ₹1.15 crore. The same will be ratified at the executive committee meeting on June 30.” he said, adding that the finance committee itself comprised executive council members.
But critics remain unappeased. “The university until a few days ago was struggling with its finances. What is the need to have such a extravagant function,” a member said.
Another member said that there was no need to celebrate foundation day for 20 years as universities usually celebrate a silver or golden jubilee. Prof. Karisiddappa added that he fixed the foundation day event during his tenure as his term would be ending next year.
