Insiders allege that university decisions are affected because significant positions in the syndicate are empty
Insiders allege that university decisions are affected because significant positions in the syndicate are emptyWith caste politics casting a shadow on the Bangalore University, significant positions in the syndicate have fallen vacant for four months, hurting the democratic process of decision-making.
Aravinda Limbavali, higher education minister, has apparently locked horns with Chief Minister BS Yeddurappa over government nominations to the positions, which fell vacant after six nominees retired last April.
"The file was sent four months ago to the CM's office, after short listing the nominees. I don't know the reason for the delay," said Limbavali.
|
| It is believed that CM BS Yeddurappa wants to nominate two fellow Lingayats, including his close relative Ananthkumar, for a senior position in the university. |
|
"But, I admit it has hampered the functioning of the university, as major decisions are taken without the presence of government nominees," he added.
A source in the university said that the CM wanted to nominate two fellow Lingayats including his close relative Ananthkumar, while Limbavali was pushing his supporters Krishna and Manasa, who are from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
While ISN Prasad, principal secretary to chief minister, attributed the delay to government procedure, a highly placed source in the CM's office said that the file was sent to BJP office after the political stalemate.
"The issue has turned political and the party president K S Eswarappa is scrutinising the shortlist," said the source. "The party is of the opinion that Lingayats ae being favoured, while others are getting a raw deal."
Prabhudev, who was handpicked by Yeddyurappa to be the vice-chancellor, is a Lingayat and the party leaders are reportedly upset over the CM's move to push members from his community for the general merit seats in the syndicate.
Out of six nominations, two are general merit, and each among the rest is reserved for women, SC, minority, and OBC.
u00a0
However, the greater worry is that major decisions are being taken in the syndicate without following a democratic process, as there is no one to voice the concerns of the society since there are no nominees from the government.
A 21-member syndicate is taking decisions with the members, including five college principals, a dean, a senior professor, ex-officios, and two governor nominees attending the meetings.
"Members such as principals and deans are under the mercy of the VC, and Prabhudev is taking advantage of this by taking unilaterally controversial decisions like hiking approval fees for foreign students which can be questionable in the court," said AP Ranganath, a former member of the syndicate. "No one should play politics here and I urge the government to nominate the members at the earliest."
While Prabhudev was not available for his comments, MS Thimmappa, former VC, said, "It is very unfortunate that the nominations have turned into political stalemate, but it is not good for academics. The university must be kept out of politics."
