Kannada University Hampi which marred in controversies and often remains in media for all the wrong reasons, is again facing one more controversy.
This time, the University facing allegations of taking bribe for granting promotion and releasing of pension of retired employees.
Some of the retired employees and the present staff are accusing the present and former Vice Chancellor of involving in financial mismanagement and corruption.
They alleged the VC and other staff of demanding bribe for giving promotion and commission to release the pension.
Not just the staff, even the students are making similar allegations against the VC.
Kannada University located at Hampi in Hospete taluk, is a research oriented State-run University which was established by the government in 1991. The objective of opening the University was to promote Kannada language, literature, tradition and culture of Karnataka.
Though the University has made several significant works in research field, however over the years, the University is facing numerous allegations in various departments.
The sources said that the University has almost stopped publication of researched-based materials. Because of such irregularities and irresponsible functioning, the University’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) ranking has been reduced from ‘A’ to ‘B’. The staff is upset for the University losing even the Accreditation of Distance Education.
The retired staff alleged that University has not cleared their pension and said that they have brought the matter to the notice of Chancellor and Governor of Karnataka.
M. Mallikarjungowda, the assistant professor of the University has made serious allegation against Vice Chancellor, S. C. Ramesh that the former has demanded Rs. 6 lakh to promote him to professor post.
Adding more allegations, the staff said that reservation rules have been openly violated in order to appoint students of a particular community.
Mallikarjungowda alleged that VC and Legal Unit Coordinator has conspired in appointment process.
He said that he was transferred from the University after he raised objection on the issues.
The students of SC/ST and OBC have alleged that they have not been getting scholarship from the University.
Accusing the teachers of seeking bribe for various works, the students have reportedly decided to launch campaign against the irregularities.
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According to the Research students, the bribe is collected from the students even to approve scholarship.
“ There is a huge corruption in purchase of materials. The publication has completely stopped. The land of the University is being encroached upon and the University is doing nothing. The Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) Degrees are being sold for money”, the staff alleged.
Replying to gaurilankeshnews.com about these allegations, VC, Ramesh said that the University is unable to clear pension as the government has not granted the funds. He claimed that already the matter has been brought to the notice of government on several occasions.
With regard to the allegations of taking bribe, he said that they are baseless. “ Action will be taken if the concrete evidences are presented. Even I am ready to face action if the charges are proved. Meanwhile, we have already informed to Syndicate members about the allegations”, he said.
Finance Officer, Ramesh Nayak claimed that the pension has not been stopped, however the pension of a few staff has been withheld due to some technical reasons.
