Bangalore University (BU) has decided to hand over investigation into the recent scam in the Distance Education examinations to either the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or the Lokayukta. The investigation by Halasuru Gate police has revealed prima facie involvement of a former syndicate member and staff of the university. At a syndicate meeting held on Friday, a unanimous decision to hand over the case to either the CID or Lokayukta was taken. Later Vicechancellor B Thimme Gowda told reporters, “The state government has asked us to submit a report on the incident. Along with the report, we will also write to the government about the syndicate’s decision to hand over the case either to CID or Lokayukta.” A couple of days ago, acting on complaints filed by the public, the police had busted a fake marks cards racket at Bangalore University. Former syndicate member K B Vedamurthy was also taken into custody. Following the incident, the university has decided to initiate several examination reforms. “We have decided to install CCTV cameras at all evaluation centres, both outside and inside the premises, and remove all staff appointed on temporary basis,” Gowda said. The safety measures also include scanning of answer scripts on the day of the examination, directing colleges to monitor documents and register for Internal Assessment marks, strict deadlines for payment of fees and setting up an internal system where security password will be with Vice-Chancellor and which will be alerted of any computer- level malpractice takes place.
STAFF MONITORING COMMITTEE SET UP
For the first time in Bangalore University’s (BU) history, a committee headed by a former vice-chancellor will observe the activities of the entire staff. According to officials, some of the staff members are alcoholic. “Not just this, there are people who never work. To monitor the staff, including me, we will set up a committee. We will finalise the constitution of the committee soon,” said V-C Thimme Gowda. According to the decision taken by the syndicate, if any staffer is found drunk during office hours, he or she will be sent on permanent retirement. This applies to non-working staff. The assessment of the employees will be made on three major criteria — work, efficiency and attendance, said the V-C.
CENTRAL COLLEGE STUDENTS PROTEST FEE HIKE
On Friday morning, the Central College campus witnessed a huge protest from several student organisations against the fee hike by the university for various courses. The fee for MSc in Mathematics and MA has been hiked from `160 to `970, that of MCom and MSW `165 to `970 and that of MBA `190 to `2,800. Around 200 students barged into the hall where the syndicate meeting was going on and got into a heated argument with the vice-chancellor. Police had to intervene and take some students into custody. They were released later. The issue was discussed further and the syndicate eventually decided to waive part of the fees. For SC/ST students, the full fees will be paid by the university and for OBCs, it will bear 50 per cent of the amount.