BENGALURU: The Governor and the state government appear to be on a collision course in the appointment of vice-chancellors to the universities of Bangalore and Mysore.
A source from Raj Bhavan said, “Appointment files pertaining to V-Cs of Karnataka Law University and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences are pending with the government. Even after the search committee submitted the names, the government has not forwarded them to Raj Bhavan. This is what the Governor has mentioned in the letter and asked the minister to look into the government’s functioning and not blame Raj Bhavan,” explained a source.
When contacted, minister Rayareddi confirmed sending a letter and receiving a response but said he was yet to see it as he is in his constituency. “Once I am back in Bengaluru I will verify it and try to meet the Governor,” said Rayareddi.Rayareddi added that it is the responsibility of governor to appoint Vice Chancellors as recommended by the government. “Under Section 40 of the Karnataka State Universities Act, Chancellor has to appoint Vice-Chancellor with the consent of the government and also appoint who the government recommends. But the Chancellor is rejecting our recommendations and not giving any valid reasons,” he said.
“We have done the process as per rules and laws. I urge the Governor to appoint VCs to Bangalore and Mysore universities immediately. Or else this will send out a wrong message,” Rayareddi said.
He also defended candidates recommended by the government for both the universities. “None of the candidates recommended by us is facing any charges or cases. Selection is purely based on the merit. It is Governor’s responsibility to appoint and not reject meritorious candidates without giving valid reasons,” Rayareddi said.