Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SHP)
Bengaluru, Jun 20: In Karnataka, the state government is restricting the vice-chancellors of universities from making or releasing any statements to the media.
A circular has been forwarded which directs every vice chancellor of government-run universities to refrain from making statements over issues related to universities.
The Circular reads as: “Vice-chancellors, registrars and other officials of the universities which come under the purview of higher education department should not be found giving statements before print and electronic media about the issues and problems related to universities which are a kind of humiliation to the state government. Considering such instances seriously hereafter vice chancellors and other officials of the universities are directed not to give any statements.”
The government further stated that the university heads are required to submit issues pertaining to their university to the government. The said issue will be then discussed and resolved and run as per the advice of the government.
One of the prominent vice chancellor of a university was not thrilled about this circular. He said, “In case of finance and administration or any irregularities, then the government can interfere. Issuing this kind of circular clearly shows that the government is trying to have direct control on vice-chancellors.”
As per the Karnataka State Universities Act (2000) several former and present vice chancellors deemed this act as unethical.
Prof M S Thimmappa, former VC of Bangalore University said, “Vice-chancellors are appointed by the governor and governor can give instructions. Through this circular government is trying to interfere in university autonomy and disturb the administration unnecessarily.”
Dr Krishna D S, former syndicate member of Bangalore University said, “This is the clear violation of KSU Act 2000. The government can control universities in finance, property or audit issues, but no right to dictate VCs asking them not to go to media or give any statement.”