MYSURU: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has once again refused to give recognition to the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) to run courses for 2015-16.
This comes after the UGC accepted the recommendations made by an Expert Committee following a visit to the university last month. The KSOU was informed the same through a letter a fortnight ago.
The letter said the university courses did not have recognition from 2013-14 to 2015-16 and in case the university admits any student without the approval of the UGC, it will be treated as invalid/unrecognised and the university will be held responsible for consequences, if any arising out of it.
Around 9 lakh students who are said to have got various diploma, undergraduate and post graduate degrees from the university since 2013-14 will be affected by this.
However, the UGC letter stated that it may consider giving recognition if the university submits convincing documentary evidence that it has adhered to the norms of legal jurisdiction.
The varsity should close study centres outside the state and terminate
MoUs with private collaborative institutions, the letter stated.
Sources said the university is not able to snap ties with collaborative institutions as it entered into an agreement with them for 5 or 10 years.
They will only invite more trouble if they try to end MoUs.
However, despite the UGC letter, the KSOU has continued with the admissions to the second and third year degrees and is also collecting convocation fee from the students.
In-charge V-C P S Naik said the Karnataka government has given permission to do so. He refused to answer whether it will be valid in the light of the UGC’s letter.
Guv Has Become Inactive: BJP MLC Madhusudan
BJP MLC G Madhusudan on Thursday expressed serious displeasure over Governor Vajubhai Vala not taking action against those indicted in the Justice Bhaktavatsala report on irregularities in the KSOU even five months after its submission.
“I don’t know whether he (governor) has been influenced or not. But he has become inactive. I did not get an appointment to meet him despite trying several times nor has he responded to my letters,” he told reporters.
He questioned the silence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Higher Education Minister and the District Minister in this regard, though future of lakhs of students hangs in balance.
He said over 5 lakh candidates graduated from the KSOU had applied for various posts in KPSC and they will not not be eligible now. Those who have got promotions based on it will stand to lose it.
He urged the Governor to take action against the KSOU officials who were responsible for derecognition, not consider any of the KSOU officials for the post of vice-chancellor which is presently vacant, and direct the university to terminate MoUs with private collaborative institutions which is necessary to get the recognition.