Raj Bhavan institutes inquiry into govt. 'inspection' at KTU
Raj Bhavan has initiated an inquiry into an alleged unsanctioned inspection at the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) by officials of the Higher Education department.
The department had recently conducted a 'surprise inspection' led by an Additional Secretary to probe a complaint by a student, whose application for PhD admission was purportedly rejected.
The applicant had allegedly failed to prove his eligibility within the stipulated deadline. The officials also allegedly recorded statements from senior university officials without seeking consent from the Vice-Chancellor.
The 'inspection' was seen by various quarters as bypassing the customary process of seeking written clarification on such issues. It was also alleged as an attempt to implement the University Laws (Amendment) Bills, which would empower the Higher Education Minister or an appointed officer to conduct inspections. The Governor was yet to give assent to the Bills.
Following the inspection, KTU Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) K. Sivaprasad submitted a report to the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of the university.
The Governor is learnt to have summoned senior officials of the department to seek an explanation on the issue.
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