BENGALURU: Even after being derecognised by the University Grants Commission, the Karnataka State Open University does not appear to be keen to set things right.
In a recent reminder, UGC has stated that the documents submitted by KSOU, “are not as per the requisite information”, further delaying the process of re-granting recognition.
MLC and KSOU Board of Management (BoM) member G Madhusudan has accused the varsity of misleading UGC and jeopardising the future of students. “Submitting a false affidavit would also amount to perjury. If KSOU is sued, it would amount to suing the state government,” he said.
This is the third reminder issued to KSOU on renewal of recognition and the UGC has directed the varsity “to send the communication sent to individual collaborative institute and study centres”, to whom it has withdrawn affiliation. The letter also noted KSOU officials’ nonchalant attitude in ending the crisis, as the list of collaborative institutions sent by KSOU was not “duly signed by the authority concerned and is incomplete.”
It has also demanded that KSOU withdraw the civil writ petition it had filed against the Distance Education Council in 2011. “The advocate of the university has been informed to file the necessary memo before the court to withdraw the case. However, no such communication has been provided,” the reminder said.
When contacted, KSOU Vice-Chancellor M G Krishnan maintained that the varsity had submitted “every detail sought by the UGC”. “They have asked for the signature of Dean and Registrar in a set of documents submitted,” he said.
On the writ petition, he said the varsity has submitted a copy of the correspondence with its lawyer, wherein the lawyer has been instructed to withdraw the petition. He added that the varsity had not submitted a false affidavit to UGC.
FDA Exams
While several candidates with KSOU degrees were allowed to appear for FDA exams held across the state recently, it is uncertain whether they will get the government jobs even if they clear the exams. KSOU candidates were not allowed to appear for KPSC exams. Commenting on this, Madhusudan said it was a race against time for KSOU candidates who are hopeful of clearing the FDA written exams. “During verification of documents, it is necessary that KSOU is granted recognition by UGC. If not, the marks cards of candidates will be rendered ineligible,” he added.