Dharwad: The appointment of former University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK, Bengaluru vice-chancellor Rajendra Prasad as chairman of the search committee to select a new VC for UAS Dharwad has triggered objections, as he is facing Lokayukta proceedings over alleged corruption and dereliction of duty.
Prasad is among five respondents in a Lokayukta case filed in 2023 by P M Veerabhadrappa, a resident of Holalkere in Chitradurga district, according to TN Prakash Kammardi, former professor and head of the department of agricultural economics at UAS Bengaluru.
Allegations of Seat Diversion
“Seats that were supposed to be allotted under the special quota for scouts, guides, and NCC were illegally diverted to other categories. Following this manipulation, a separate seat matrix was created, and more than 10 students were allegedly given unauthorised admission,” Kammardi alleged.
He further claimed there were complaints of corruption and negligence in duty during the seat allocation process, and that the Lokayukta police had registered a case and launched an investigation.
Pressure on Lokayukta Probe
“However, since all the accused are influential individuals, there are allegations that Lokayukta police are under pressure to dilute the case, resulting in slowing down the investigation,” Kammardi alleged.
Questioning the appointment of a person facing allegations to a sensitive role, Kammardi said: “There is increasing concern that appointments to leadership positions in universities are vulnerable to political lobbying, monetary influence, favouritism and other extra-academic considerations that undermine merit, institutional credibility and public trust.”
“The role of govt nominees in the search committee is highly sensitive. If the constitution of this committee and its functioning lack independence and transparency, public confidence in the institution is compromised from the outset,” he added.
Appeal to Governor
Kammardi said he, along with 21 retired faculty members and scientists, had appealed to governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot to reconsider the decision and reconstitute the committee in accordance with prescribed safeguards and principles.
Prasad Denies Knowledge
When contacted, Prasad denied knowledge of any Lokayukta case against him. “There is a rule that a sitting VC should not be inducted in the search committee. Since I am a former VC, I have been inducted. I am also unaware of the memorandum submitted to the governor, seeking reconstitution of the committee,” he said.
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