Karnataka govt orders investigation on Kuvempu University Chancellor, two others
Shivamogga: In a significant development, the State Government has taken action against the Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University, along with the Registrar (Examination) and the Director of The Department of Distance Education. An inquiry committee has been established to investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct at the university.
The probe stems from an incident in 2019 when the university declared results for first and second-year undergraduate, as well as first-year post-graduate students of distance education, without conducting the examinations.
This action directly contravened the resolutions passed by the Syndicate and The Vidya Vishak Parishad at Kuvempu University. Santosh Belekere, a member of the Syndicate, along with RTI activists Gajanan das K G and S M Mahadevappa, lodged a complaint with the state government and the governor, prompting a preliminary investigation.
Led by the Executive Director of the State Higher Education Council, the preliminary inquiry confirmed the violation of rules and instructed the university to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor (Evaluation), and the Director of the Directorate of Distance Education. Consequently, the secretary to the governor has formed an inquiry committee, chaired by a retired judge, to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report.
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The committee, chaired by retired Shivamogga judge Ravindranath H B, comprises the executive director of the Karnataka State Council of Higher Education and the registrar (administration) of Bangalore Urban University. It has been given a timeframe of 20 days to complete the inquiry and submit the report to the government.
The primary objective of the inquiry committee is to conduct a preliminary investigation into the validity of the complaints against the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar (Examination), and Director of the Directorate of Distance Education. The committee's expenses, including allowances, travel expenses, and day allowances, will be covered by Kuvempu University. Furthermore, the committee has been directed to provide accommodation and transport facilities, which will be arranged by the university itself, the order read.
Former Kuvempu University syndicate member commends state government for investigation decision
Former Kuvempu University syndicate member and complainant Belekere Santhosh has welcomed the state government's decision to set up a committee to probe the corruption in Kuvempu University.
"In 2019, the results were declared without conducting exams for first and second year undergraduate and first year post-graduate students of distance education, contrary to the resolution of the syndicate and the Vidya Vishak Parishad in the university. A complaint was lodged with the state government and the governor against this,” he said.
With the tenure of the registrar only two months away. Santhosh has urged the state government to take appropriate action against them at the earliest.
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Railways reduces time limit for advance train reservation to 60 days
New Delhi ( PTI): The Railway Board has reduced the advance reservation period of seats from existing 120 days to 60 days with effect from November 1, 2024.
"It has been decided that w.e.f 01.11.2024, the existing time limit for advance reservation by trains will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey)," a Railway Board's circular, dated Oct 16, 2024, said.
All bookings done up to October 31 under the ARP (Advance Reservation Period) of 120 days will remain intact, it added.
The circular did not cite any reason for the reduction in ARP.
According to the Board, cancellation of the booking made beyond the ARP of 60 days will, however, be permitted.
"There will be no change in the case of certain day time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express etc where lower time limits for advance reservation are, at present in force," the Board's circular said.
There will also be no change in the case of a limit of 365 days for foreign tourists, it said.
On March 25, 2015, the Ministry of Railways had increased the ARP from 60 days to 120 days.
