BENGALURU: Yielding to the pressure from the Syndicate members of the Bangalore University — appointed by the Governor, State government and principal nominees — the state department of higher education has gone against its own decision and allowed the syndicate members to head the Local Inquiry Committees (LIC).
Though an official order from the government has banned syndicate members from being a part of LICs, the members have passed a resolution to consider them during the recently held syndicate meeting. Also, they have already started visiting colleges.
Speaking to Express, Prof K K Seethamma, registrar (administration) of Bangalore University said, “The members were pressurising us to involve them in the committees. On the other hand, even the colleges were asking us to send the committees as PU II results will be announced soon and admissions will begin. So, we constituted the committees.”
“We did not have an option as they were in majority at the meeting. The resolution was passed and we had to consider it,” she explained.
However, the syndicate resolution, which was sent to the government seeking direction, has not received any reply yet. Dr B Thimme Gowda, vice-chancellor of BU, told Express, “We have sent the syndicate resolution to the government seeking directions. We haven’t received any official reply yet.”
However, the vice chancellor mentioned that he has got an unofficial nod from the authorities of the higher education department to involve syndicate members in the LICs. “Though there is no official communication, we have got verbal instructions. As per that we are sending them to colleges,” he added.
What the rule says
The Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000, which was amended in 2013, restricts Syndicate members from being part of LICs.
In 2009, following a decision by the Inter-University Board, B S Japali, the then under secretary of higher education, had barred syndicate members from serving in Local Inspection Committees. But some syndicate members approached the High Court, which ruled in their favour. Soon after, in 2013, members of the Legislative Council demanded a bar again. The Higher Education Department then drafted an amendment to Section 59 (6) of the Karnataka State Universities Act of 2000.
In the old system, which existed before 2013, syndicate members used to head the LICs. But as there were corruption complaints against some of the members and one of the then members was arrested by Lokayukta police, state government brought amendments to the Act.
Role of LIC
LICs visit colleges to inspect fresh and renewal of affiliation, enhancement of seats, introduction of new courses etc. They submit a report to the university. The report will then be placed before the academic council and the syndicate for approval.