Will approach court if UGC delays recognition to KSOU, says Rayaraddi

The Centre should intervene in the matter: Rayaraddi

Minister for Higher Education Basavaraj Rayaraddi at the inauguration of Government First Grade College in Mangaluru on Saturday. H.S. MANJUNATH

The State government will approach the court if the University Grants Commission (UGC) further delays grant of recognition to Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Minister for Higher Education Basavaraj Rayaraddi has said.

After a function at the Government First Grade College here on Saturday, he told presspersons that despite bringing in amendments as sought by the apex court and the UGC, the latter was yet to grant recognition to the KSOU.

The UGC was keeping the matter pending despite a number of representations made by him and the KSOU Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Rayaraddi said.

‘Students affected’

The delay in grant of recognition was affecting nearly three lakh students. “If they continue to drag the matter, we have no option other than approaching the court,” he said, and added that the Union government should intervene in the issue.

Questioning the proposed protest rally by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad over the issue, Mr. Rayaraddi said, “The problem is with the Centre. What’s the purpose of taking out a rally and holding a protest outside my house.”

The Minister said because of denial of recognition, the KSOU has remained closed for the last three years.