BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) could soon face strict action from state Governor Vajubhai Vala as it has failed to act on the instructions issued by him four years ago. As the chancellor of state universities, the governor can initiate action against the vice-chancellor and other officials as he deems fit. 

In a final communication sent to the KSOU, reminding them of his instructions, Vala has once more asked for immediate action to be initiated against 22 teaching staff, who were earlier guest faculties and found to have been illegally appointed as permanent staff by the Bhatavatsala committee. 

These 22 teaching staff were working as guest faculties at KSOU during the tenure of Prof KS Rangappa as Vice Chancellor. Rangappa allegedly appointed them as permanent staff of the university during the fag end of his tenure. The same was objected to by the Bhaktavatsala committee, constituted by Governor, to inquire into the alleged irregularities at the university. Even the vigilance audit conducted by the government had also raised objection over absorbing these 22 temporary staff as permanent.

In previous notices sent to the University, the Governor had asked the Vice Chancellor and other authorities to communicate to his office, the action taken against these faculties. However, even after two communications, Raj Bhavan did not receive any reply from the university. Considering this, a final notice has been sent to KSOU for immediate action and submission of action taken report.

Sources from Raj Bhavan said, "Even after communications since 2015 to remove those employees and submit an action taken report, University has not initiated any action. Considering this seriously, the Chancellor has sent a final notice."

What KSOU says

Reacting to it, KSOU authorities said that they have placed the notice before the Board Meeting, held on February 4 this year, and have decided to issue a show-cause notice to those 22 staffers. Prof D Shivalingaiah, Vice Chancellor of KSOU, said, “We were waiting for a legal opinion before replying and this has been communicated to the Raj Bhavan.  Because of this, the response to the Chancellor’s notice was delayed.” He further said that further action will be initiated based on their reply to the show-cause notice.