Profs, students decry ‘maladministration’ at Kannada varsity

Hubballi: The Kannada University (Hampi) has found itself in a spot following allegations by professors and students over different issues.
While Kannada professors have written a letter to the governor alleging delay in sanctioning of pension, students have launched a signature campaign decrying the “maladministration” in the university. Following this, the professors’ association has called a meeting on November 16 to discuss ways to address the issues and retain the image of the university.
Meanwhile, vice-chancellor S C Ramesh has written a letter to the syndicate, seeking formation of a fact-finding committee to look into the allegations made against him. He has termed the developments as a conspiracy to bring a bad name to him.
Dr M Mallikarjunagouda, head of the department of Kannada literature studies, told TOI that the VC is demanding a bribe of Rs 6 lakh for promotion of teachers under Career Advancement Scheme. “He is deferring promotions of those who refuse to bribe him. He has also promoted those who have paid. After I asked him to share the guidelines for promotion, he transferred me to International Vachana Literature Study Centre in Kudalasangama. My tenure as the HoD here was to end on June 26, 2022,” he said, adding that he has complained the same to the higher education department in Bengaluru.
Thirty-seven students have charged the university's administration with transferring many professors to units located outside the university and changing the responsibilities of some professors for no reason. “We are forced to pay commission/ bribe of up to Rs 50,000 to get scholarship, colloquium and other facilities. Our signature campaign is to counter the same,” they said.
Requesting anonymity, some professors said they are being pressurised to pay their salary of eight months to declare their probationary period “successful”.
M Chandra Poojary, a retired professor, said: “The university authorities say that some percentage of commission should be paid to get our benefits. So we (nine retired professors) have written letters to the varsity, higher education department and the governor...”
Meanwhile, Kannada Vishwavidyalayada Adhyapakara Sangha will convene a meeting of teaching and non-teaching staff on November 16. They want to discuss ways to resolve the issues and maintain the university’s image. Sangha officebearers said they will launch an agitation if the administration fails to address their concerns.
VC rejects charges
Terming the allegations as baseless, VC Ramesh said there is a conspiracy to assassinate his character. “For promotions, we have followed UGC norms. A committee checking UGC criteria will oversee this issue, and I have never interfered in its affairs. As far as pension is concerned, the varsity is running short of funds. The government has released Rs 12.5 lakh as against the sanctioned Rs 50 lakh. We have written to the government about our funds requirement to meet other overheads, and awaiting its response.”
The VC said 10-15 professors have retired in the last 1-2 years, leaving them amidst financial constraints. “Following allegations against me, I have written a letter to the syndicate members seeking formation of a fact-finding committee to probe the charges. I have asked them to prosecute those who erred.”