Governor's objections delay printing of KSOU marks cards

MYSURU: There appears to be no end in sight to the troubles of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU). Although the state government had, in an order dated March 5, 2018, allowed the varsity to distribute marks cards and degree certificates for its in-house candidates who joined the university in 2013-14, and 2014-15, objections raised by the Karnataka governor’s office have prevented KSOU administration from starting the printing process.

The predicament that KSOU is currently grappling with is the latest episode in a series of problems that the varsity has been facing ever since the University Grants Commission (UGC) derecognised its courses, and made it effective retrospectively. While the varsity has managed to get its two marks card printing machines, which were seized by police nearly a year ago, back in its possession, it is now in no position to use them.

The two printing machines were in the custody of the City Crime Branch, which had confiscated them in the course of the investigation into the marks card scam of the varsity. “The marks cards can now be printed any time,” said sources in the university.

In its order, the state government has stated that the certificates issued to students who joined KSOU in the academic years, 2013-14, and 2014-15 will be considered for higher education, government jobs, etc. “But the governor’s office has pointed out several technical lapses in the order,” said a source.

TOI’s attempts to repeatedly contact KSOU vice-chancellor D Shivalingaiah yielded no response.

Sources in the varsity added that the state government convened a meeting of all stakeholders in, including officials of the KSOU administration in Bengaluru on Tuesday. An officer said that issues, including the possibility of launching new courses for the 2018-19 academic year would be discussed.

The affected students, however, are only growing increasingly annoyed with the delay. “We have been waiting for our marks cards since January. But the university authorities are not issuing them. The state government is claiming that all problems affecting the in-house students are resolved, but that is not the case. We need justice at the earliest,” said Ravi Patil, a student.