BANGALORE: B R Ananthan, former vice-chancellor of Rani Chennamma University, Belgaum, is likely to face inquiry over alleged illegal appointments made in the last days of his tenure.
The state government is preparing notes to recommend to the Chancellor an inquiry, following directions from the Chief Minister, said sources in the Higher Education Department.
According to the department, a few days ago, a Belgaum-based advocate submitted a petition to the chief minister accusing Ananthan of having approved appointments illegally. “The complaint stated that Ananthan made appointments during the last three months of his tenure, which is against the norms,” a source said.
This development comes soon after the arrest of Karnatak University, Dharwad, V-C H B Walikar based on the inquiry report submitted by Justice Padmaraj, appointed by the Chancellor.
A copy of the advocate’s petition submitted to the CM is available with Express. The allegations against Ananthan are: a) illegal appointment of 185 non-teaching staff a month before the end of his tenure; b) violation of rules, laid down by both the state and the Supreme Court, while recruiting teaching staff.
V-C Dismisses Charges
When contacted, Ananthan said, “I have not made any illegal appointments or violated norms. I did not appoint anyone during the last three months of my tenure, but I took forward the notification issued in 2012. By the time the department communication reached us, the Syndicate was over.”
“I am ready for any inquiry as I have not committed any wrong,” he said.