Mysuru: Higher education minister
GT Devegowda on Friday promised to expedite the process of appointing a full-time VC to the varsity. For nearly a year-and-a-half, the post of the
vice-chancellor of
University of Mysore (UoM) has been lying vacant – Prof.
KS Rangappa was the last to occupy the chair and since then post was being held by senior most deans as incharge VCs.
Making his first public appearance in Mysuru after assuming charge of the higher education department – Devegowda's appointment to the position was fraught with controversy – visited the Sri Chamundeshwari temple atop the hills, along with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandson.
Devegowda, who interacted with the media at Chamundi Hills, sought to dismiss rumours about being unhappy with the portfolio. Affirming his commitment to improving the higher education system in Karnataka, Devegowda said, “I am open to taking suggestions from VC and former VCs.”
Devegowda also dismissed reports of the higher education department of appointing an advisor, thus putting rest to rumours of former UoM VC KS Rangappa assuming that post. Chief minister HD
Kumaraswamy too had earlier denied reports of Rangappa being named an advisor to the higher education department.
Stating that appointment of VCs to various universities, where the top post was vacant, would be done at the earliest, Devegowda said, “As far as the controversy surrounding the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) is concerned, the government will take a decision soon.”
Devegowda, who defeated former CM Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari constituency, was initially reluctant to assume charge of the higher education department. Although he isolated himself to express his disappointment, and his many followers protested, demanding a high-profile portfolio, Devegowda was forced to accept the higher education department in the end. There were also rumours about Devegowda not being keen on the possible appointment of Rangappa as an advisor.
Besides the Sri Chamundeshwari temple, Devegowda also visited temples in Hinkal, Uttanahalli and Nanjangud.
