RCU Vice-Chancellor Faces Fresh Caste Discrimination Allegations Over Appointment
Rani Channamma University in Belagavi finds itself embroiled in controversy once again. Vice-Chancellor Prof CM Thyagaraja faces serious allegations of caste-based discrimination. The issue centers on his recent decision regarding temporary leadership during his absence.
Questionable Appointment Sparks Formal Complaint
Prof SB Akash, the senior-most dean in the Commerce faculty, has raised strong objections. He formally complained to the governor about the vice-chancellor's recent appointment choice. When Prof Thyagaraja traveled to Japan on official business from January 10 to 18, he appointed registrar Santosh Kamagouda as the in-charge authority.
Prof Akash argues this decision violates clear guidelines. He points to the governor's directive dated January 7, 2026. The complaint also references the Karnataka State Universities Act of 2000. Both documents specify that the senior-most dean or officer should assume charge during such temporary absences.
Legal and Constitutional Violations Alleged
The senior dean presents a detailed legal argument in his complaint. While acknowledging the registrar's statutory authority under section 17 of the Act, Prof Akash emphasizes a crucial limitation. The law does not permit the registrar to exercise vice-chancellor powers during temporary absences.
"Vesting both administrative and executive powers in a single individual goes against established governance norms," Prof Akash states in his letter. He maintains this action violates the spirit of the statute itself.
Caste Discrimination Claims Surface
Prof Akash, who belongs to the scheduled caste community, makes a serious allegation. He claims the vice-chancellor deliberately bypassed him despite his seniority. The decision, he contends, represents clear caste-based discrimination.
"This violates constitutional principles of equality, fairness, and natural justice," Prof Akash asserts. He believes his caste background directly influenced the vice-chancellor's decision-making process.
Pattern of Similar Allegations Emerges
This incident marks another chapter in ongoing controversies surrounding Prof Thyagaraja. A senior professor previously filed an FIR against him at Kakati police station. That complaint invoked the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Investigations into that matter continue.
More recently, PhD scholar Sujata Kamble filed a separate complaint. She approached the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement in Belagavi's northern range. Kamble alleges the university deliberately withheld her PhD convocation certificate due to her caste.
Additional Accusations Compound the Situation
The vice-chancellor faces further criticism regarding his responsibilities toward SC candidates. Multiple sources accuse him of failing to guide SC candidates for PhD programmes. This neglect reportedly occurred across several academic batches. University regulations make such guidance mandatory for all eligible students.
Attempts to contact Prof Thyagaraja for his response have proven unsuccessful. The vice-chancellor has not publicly addressed these latest allegations. University officials remain tight-lipped about the developing situation.
The controversy raises serious questions about governance at Rani Channamma University. It highlights ongoing challenges in implementing caste-sensitive policies within Karnataka's higher education institutions. All eyes now turn to the governor's office for potential intervention.
